Ajinkya Lahani Launched his most right-handed T20 XI ever, sparking a heated debate in the cricketing world. Speak at a special session Comments Comments On February 11, 2026, the veteran Indian batsman carefully built an elite right-hander lineup, but made the “shocking” decision to exclude Virat Kohli.

The omission is particularly striking considering Kohli’s status as the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history and his legendary performances in the 2014, 2016 and 2022 World Cups. Rahane’s selection appears to prioritize high-impact batting and a specialized T20 role over career totals. His line-up is a blend of modern power batsmen and iconic bowlers who have dominated the IPL and international circuits. This list is a fascinating look at how one of India’s most skilful batsmen views the ‘ideal’ structure of a T20 team.

Ajinkya Rahane prefers explosive starts and ‘X-factor’ in the middle order to Virat Kohli

between him and Comments CommentsRahane chose a terrible opening combination Rohit Sharma and If the housekeeperchoosing two captains who recently won the T20 World Cup as the frontline. Rahane explained that Buttler’s “proven power-play execution” and Rohit’s unparalleled acceleration make them a perfect pairing.

Interestingly, the spot at No. 3 is traditionally occupied by Kohli, with Rahane at No. 3. Suryakumar Yadavciting his ability to win matches “beyond statistics” and his status as the current T20I captain. The middle sequence is completed by legends AB de Villiers Four points and MS DhoniRahane appointed him as the captain and goalkeeper of the team. By selecting SKY and ABD over Kohli, Rahane seemed to have prioritized 360-degree shots and raw strike rate, pointing out that de Villiers’ career strike rate of over 150 makes him indispensable in any all-time XI.

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Caribbean power and deadly multinational bowling attack in Rahane’s XI

To provide the necessary balance, Rahane roped in the iconic West Indies duo Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo as his main all-rounder. Russell’s ability to change games with both bat and ball, combined with Bravo’s status as one of the greatest death specialists in history, provides the team with tremendous depth. The Bowling Division is a diverse masterclass characterized by the mysterious Rashid Khan with veterans Harbhajan Singh.

Rahane reunites legendary Mumbai Indians duo for pace battery Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malingathey have a total of 9 IPL titles and 2 T20 World Cup titles. The last spot is gone Yuzvendra Chahalthe IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, completes the four-man spin attack if Harbhajan and part-time options are included. The selection underlines Rahane’s belief in T20 expertise, even if it means ruling out one of his closest former teammates.

Ajinkya Rahane’s Historical Right Hand T20 XI

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