Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s enigmatic all-rounder, has ignited a global cricket debate with his bold selection of an all-time ODI XI. The team, which exclusively features players from India, Australia, and England, has left fans and pundits stunned—especially after Maxwell initially omitted the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in favor of his compatriot David Warner .
Glenn Maxwell’s All-Time ODI XI: The Final Lineup
Following a rule limiting the number of Australian players, Maxwell was forced to revise his initial picks. The final XI is a fascinating blend of Indian batting royalty and Australian grit, with a notable and complete absence of English talent .
| Position | Player | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Opener | Rohit Sharma | India |
| Opener | Sachin Tendulkar | India |
| No. 3 | Virat Kohli | India |
| Middle Order | Ricky Ponting | Australia |
| Middle Order | Michael Bevan | Australia |
| Wicketkeeper | MS Dhoni | India |
| All-rounder | Shane Watson | Australia |
| All-rounder | Glenn Maxwell | Australia |
| Bowler | Mitchell Starc | Australia |
| Bowler | Brett Lee | Australia |
| Bowler | Shane Warne | Australia |
Why Glenn Maxwell’s All-Time ODI XI Is So Controversial
The most explosive aspect of Maxwell’s team is his choice of wicketkeeper. He picked India’s MS Dhoni over Australia’s own Adam Gilchrist, a decision that is sure to ruffle feathers back home. “Dhoni’s calmness under pressure and his finishing ability were just unmatched,” Maxwell is believed to have reasoned .
Even more shocking is the complete exclusion of any English players. Despite the likes of Joe Root, Kevin Pietersen, and James Anderson being available, Maxwell’s final XI is a pure India-Australia affair. This has left the English cricketing community questioning the criteria .
The Sachin Tendulkar U-turn
Maxwell’s initial instinct to choose David Warner over the “God of Cricket” Sachin Tendulkar sent shockwaves through the cricket world. However, the self-imposed cap on Australian players meant he had to make a tough call. In a move that probably saved him from a global backlash, he reinstated Tendulkar, recognizing his unparalleled ODI legacy .
This final team features a dominant Indian top order—Sharma, Tendulkar, and Kohli—followed by a powerful Australian middle and lower order. It’s a team built for both stability and explosive power, reflecting Maxwell’s own aggressive style of play.
Glenn Maxwell’s All-Time ODI XI: Fan Reactions
Unsurprisingly, social media has erupted. Indian fans are celebrating the strong representation of their stars, while Australian fans are debating the Dhoni-over-Gilchrist call. English fans, meanwhile, are left wondering if their ODI greats were even considered.
One thing is for sure: Maxwell’s selection has provided the perfect recipe for a heated cricket debate that will rage on for weeks.