Ajinkya Rahane reveals all-time underrated ODI playing XI with only two Indian batters

Ajinkya Rahane Names an Underrated All-Time ODI XI

Ajinkya Rahane has assembled an all-time one-day international (ODI) playing XI built around a simple idea: celebrate outstanding cricketers who may not always receive the same attention as the sport’s most famous legends. In a Cricbuzz video, the former India batter selected players from several countries, weighing their skills, versatility and contributions to their teams rather than their celebrity status.

The result is a balanced side featuring dependable top-order batters, a powerful middle order, two all-rounders and a varied bowling attack. Rahane’s choices also offer a reminder that a player’s influence is not measured only by headline-making records. Consistency, adaptability and performances in crucial moments can be just as important when assessing an ODI career.

Graeme Smith and Nathan Astle Open the Batting

Rahane began with South African captain Graeme Smith and New Zealand opener Nathan Astle. He valued Smith’s reliability at the top of the order and paired the left-hander with Astle to create a right-left combination—an arrangement that can make it harder for bowlers to settle into a consistent line and length.

Smith was known for his composure and ability to build an innings, while Astle could change the pace of a match with aggressive stroke play. Together, they give Rahane’s XI two complementary opening options: one capable of anchoring the innings and another able to put pressure on the opposition early.

That contrast is central to the logic of the selection. In ODI cricket, a strong opening partnership can provide a platform for the middle order, but it also needs the flexibility to respond to different conditions. Smith’s steadiness and Astle’s attacking instincts offer just that balance.

Suresh Raina and Aravinda de Silva Lead the Middle Order

At No. 3, Rahane chose former India batter Suresh Raina, praising his ability to perform in varied conditions. Raina brought left-handed flair, quick running between the wickets and an attacking approach that could help maintain momentum after the opening overs. His presence also continues the left-right batting pattern established by the openers.

Rahane’s No. 4 pick was Sri Lanka’s Aravinda de Silva, whom he described as an all-time great who remains underrated in discussions of ODI cricket. De Silva was a technically accomplished batter with the temperament to handle pressure, and he played important innings for Sri Lanka across his career. His selection adds experience and control to the middle order, alongside Raina’s more forceful style.

The pairing reflects a broader point about Rahane’s prediction of how an underrated XI could function: the team is not simply a collection of overlooked names. It is built around roles. Raina can accelerate and attack spin, while de Silva offers the class and composure to manage a difficult phase or guide a chase.

Mark Boucher Adds Wicketkeeping and Batting Depth

South Africa’s Mark Boucher was Rahane’s choice behind the stumps. Boucher’s value extended beyond his wicketkeeping, with Rahane highlighting his ability to contribute in the middle and lower-middle order at No. 5 or No. 6.

That role is especially important in a one-day side. A wicketkeeper who can also score useful runs gives the batting order added flexibility, while a reliable gloveman can help maintain pressure through sharp work behind the stumps. Boucher’s selection therefore strengthens the XI in two departments at once.

Abdul Razzaq and Robin Singh Provide All-Round Options

Pakistan’s Abdul Razzaq was selected as an all-rounder, with Rahane valuing his ability to bat around No. 6 or No. 7 and bowl at pace. Razzaq could provide late-innings hitting as well as useful overs, giving the side an option to adjust its balance depending on the match situation.

Rahane named former India player Robin Singh as his finisher. Singh was known for his aggressive batting and athletic fielding, qualities that made him a valuable limited-overs contributor. His inclusion gives the XI another player capable of lifting the scoring rate late in an innings, while his fielding adds further value in a format where saving runs can be as significant as scoring them.

With Razzaq and Singh in the lower middle order, Rahane’s side has batting depth without sacrificing bowling options. That combination could prove useful in close contests, particularly when the top order has not produced a large total or when a chase demands a quick finish.

Vettori and Swann Form a Varied Spin Pair

For the spin attack, Rahane selected New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori and England’s Graeme Swann. Vettori, a left-arm spinner, was praised for his control and his ability to contribute with the bat. His disciplined approach could help contain scoring, especially during the middle overs.

Swann offers a contrasting style as an off-spinner and wicket-taking option. Rahane described him as a top-class bowler, and the pairing gives the XI variety in both angle and method. Rather than relying on one type of spin, the team could use Vettori to build pressure and Swann to attack for breakthroughs.

The two spinners also complement the side’s pace resources. Their different styles would allow a captain to respond to pitch conditions, batter match-ups and the demands of a particular innings.

Shane Bond and Chaminda Vaas Complete the Attack

Rahane’s two fast-bowling selections were New Zealand’s Shane Bond and Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas. Bond brought pace and the ability to move the ball in either direction, making him a threat with the new ball and a potential option for key overs.

Vaas, a left-arm seamer, adds a different angle to the attack. Rahane pointed to his control, discipline and wicket-taking consistency, as well as the importance of having a left-arm fast bowler in the XI. His presence prevents the pace attack from becoming one-dimensional and gives the team another way to challenge opposing batters.

Rahane’s Complete Underrated ODI XI

Rahane’s selected team is: Graeme Smith (South Africa), Nathan Astle (New Zealand), Suresh Raina (India), Aravinda de Silva (Sri Lanka), Mark Boucher (South Africa), Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan), Robin Singh (India), Daniel Vettori (New Zealand), Graeme Swann (England), Shane Bond (New Zealand) and Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka).

The XI includes only two former India players—Raina and Robin Singh—while drawing on talent from six other cricketing nations. Its appeal lies in its balance: left- and right-handed batters, a specialist wicketkeeper, multiple all-round options, two contrasting spinners and a pace attack featuring both right- and left-arm variety.

Rahane’s prediction of what an underrated ODI side could look like is ultimately a tribute to players whose value may be overlooked when conversations focus only on the biggest names. His selections invite fans to reconsider the contributions of dependable openers, adaptable middle-order batters, hard-working all-rounders and bowlers who could shape matches without always dominating the spotlight.