Abhinav Mukund Selects 2025 T20I and Test XIs

Former Indian cricketer Abhinav Mukund has unveiled his selections for the standout playing XIs in both T20 International and Test cricket for 2025, highlighting top performers from around the world as the year concludes. The picks, shared during an appearance on Star Sports, feature a mix of explosive batsmen, reliable allrounders and dominant bowlers, with five Indian players in the Test lineup and four in the T20I side.

In his T20I XI, Mukund prioritized aggressive batting and economical bowling, opting for a lineup that emphasizes high strike rates and wicket-taking ability. He chose explosive opener Abhishek Sharma to partner Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka at the top of the order. Sharma had a remarkable year, scoring 859 runs in 21 matches at an average of 42.95 and a strike rate of 193.46. Nissanka complemented him with 625 runs in 18 games, averaging 36.76 at a strike rate of nearly 150.

The middle order forms a powerhouse, including England's Jos Buttler at number three, followed by India's Tilak Varma, Australia's Tim David, South Africa's Dewald Brevis and India's Hardik Pandya. Buttler accumulated 480 runs in 15 innings at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of...