Glenn Maxwell, the Australian cricket maverick known for his explosive batting and unorthodox views, has just dropped a massive cricketing bombshell. In a recent interview, he revealed his all-time ODI XI—but with a major twist. The team, selected only from players of India, Australia, and England, features some jaw-dropping inclusions and even more shocking omissions.
Table of Contents
- Maxwell’s Selection Criteria
- The Final All-Time ODI XI
- The Biggest Shockers
- Why No English Players?
- Fan Reaction
- Sources
Maxwell’s Selection Criteria
The exercise wasn’t as simple as picking his 11 favorite players. Maxwell was given a specific set of rules: his team could only include players from India, Australia, and England, with a strict cap of no more than five Australians . This constraint forced him to make some incredibly tough calls, especially when it came to his own compatriots.
The Final All-Time ODI XI
After much deliberation—and a notable change of heart—Maxwell settled on his ultimate dream team. His final XI is a powerful blend of Indian batting royalty and Australian all-round muscle.
| Position | Player | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Sharma | India |
| 2 | Sachin Tendulkar | India |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | India |
| 4 | Ricky Ponting | Australia |
| 5 | Michael Bevan | Australia |
| 6 | MS Dhoni (WK) | India |
| 7 | Shane Watson | Australia |
| 8 | Brett Lee | Australia |
| 9 | Anil Kumble | India |
| 10 | Mitchell Starc | Australia |
| 11 | Glenn Maxwell | Australia |
The Biggest Shockers
The most talked-about moment of his selection process was his initial choice to pick David Warner over the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Maxwell admitted this was his first instinct, a decision that would have sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. However, he quickly reversed course, realizing the magnitude of leaving out the ‘God of Cricket’ . “I had to go back and change it,” he confessed, acknowledging Tendulkar’s unparalleled legacy.
Another major talking point is his choice of wicketkeeper. Maxwell opted for India’s iconic captain MS Dhoni over Australia’s own Adam Gilchrist, widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batters in history. This pick highlights Maxwell’s immense respect for Dhoni’s calm leadership and his ability to finish games under pressure .
Why No English Players?
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Maxwell’s XI is the complete absence of any English talent. In a team that was explicitly allowed to draw from England’s rich cricketing history, not a single player like Joe Root, Kevin Pietersen, or James Anderson made the cut. This has left many fans and pundits scratching their heads, wondering if it was a slight or simply a reflection of his personal preference for the Indian and Australian greats .
Fan Reaction
Unsurprisingly, the announcement has ignited a firestorm on social media. Indian fans are ecstatic to see four of their legends—Tendulkar, Sharma, Kohli, and Dhoni—feature so prominently. Australian fans are proud of their five representatives but are debating the Warner-Tendulkar swap. Meanwhile, English supporters are left feeling snubbed and are fiercely debating which of their stars deserved a spot. One thing is for sure: Glenn Maxwell has once again proven he’s never afraid to stir the pot.
Glenn Maxwell’s All-Time ODI XI Sparks Global Debate
This selection isn’t just a list; it’s a conversation starter about legacy, personal bias, and the global nature of the modern game. Where do you stand on Maxwell’s picks?