No Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma in Pat Cummins’ all-time India-Australia ODI XI

The much-awaited 2025 Australia vs India ODI series is almost here and the World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins has struck debate by unveiling his all-time combined ODI XI on Star Sports. The headline-grabbing omission was the absence of modern-day icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, Cummins provided clear context that his selection criteria mandated that only retired players could be included, immediately ruling out current stars.

Sachin, Smith, Ponting for Cummins

The pacer’s ‘India-Australia ODI XI’ is a nostalgic tribute, drawing heavily from Australia’s golden generation (1999-2007) and celebrating India’s own legends. The squad is led by the “epitome of Australian competitiveness”, Ricky Ponting. For the opening slots, Cummins paired David Warner’s “fearless aggression” with Sachin Tendulkar’s “classical stroke play”, noting that both dominated their respective eras. Michael Bevan is slotted at number six, with Cummins acknowlegding that he grew up watching him finish the games.

The Australian influence is significant, with just three Indian players making the cut. Cummins reserved special praise for MS Dhoni, calling him “the ultimate finisher and leader,” and entrusting him with the wicketkeeping gloves at number seven. The bowling attack features Indian star Zaheer Khan alongside Australian greats Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Brett Lee, blending explosive pace with masterful spin.

Cummins’ All-Time India-Australia ODI XI (Retired players only)

David Warner, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, Shane Watson, Michael Bevan, MS Dhoni, Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Zaheer Khan, Glenn McGrath.

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins won’t be seen playing any part if the India’s tour of Australia. He is already out of the opening Ashes Test and it is a huge sigh of relief for the Men in Blue. He is ruled out as a bone stress was found in his back. Now, in order to make Cummins fit for the Ashes, Australia will keep him away from any action on the field. This will certainly give India an advantage going into the bilateral series against the Aussies. Mind you, India are scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20Is. Superbly, the Indian fan zones have already been sold out across all these games Down Under. The reason being the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who will play their first match for India after the ODI Champions Trophy final in February.

Even they would breathe a sigh of relief, as they don’t have to face Pat Cummins on fast Aussie surfaces. The right-arm pacer has had enough success against the legendary duo, having dismissed them 19 times (combined) across international cricket.