No Sachin Tendulkar! AB De Villiers Stuns Fans With His All-time World XI

In the world of cricket, few names command the reverence that AB de Villiers does. The South African maestro, celebrated for redefining batting with his 360-degree innovation, is now showcasing his leadership skills in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, captaining the South Africa Champions. But this week, it wasn’t his on-field performance that made waves—it was his bold selection of an all-time World XI.

In a candid Instagram video with presenter Shefali Bagga, de Villiers revealed his dream team—a blend of grit, flair, and all-time greats. Yet, it was the absence of Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar that triggered a storm of reactions across the cricketing spectrum.

Let’s dive deep into this revelation, analyze the team, and explore the implications of leaving out one of cricket’s most revered names.

The Revelation: A Dream XI Without the ‘God of Cricket’

When legends speak, fans listen. So when AB de Villiers, known for his humility and cricketing IQ, dropped his all-time World XI, it instantly became a talking point. His choices spanned generations, playing styles, and match-winning reputations—but the glaring omission of Sachin Tendulkar, often the first name on such lists, was the elephant in the room.

The South African batting genius, now 41, explained that his team is based not just on stats but impact, balance, and personal preference shaped by the modern game’s pace and adaptability. While some may disagree, his XI is undoubtedly loaded with talent.

AB de Villiers’ All-Time World XI

Here is the star-studded lineup announced by de Villiers:

Graeme Smith 🇿🇦
Matthew Hayden 🇦🇺
Ricky Ponting 🇦🇺
Virat Kohli 🇮🇳
Steve Smith 🇦🇺
Kane Williamson 🇳🇿
MS Dhoni (wk) 🇮🇳
Mitchell Johnson 🇦🇺
Mohammad Asif 🇵🇰
Muttiah Muralitharan 🇱🇰
Shane Warne 🇦🇺
12th man: Glenn McGrath 🇦🇺

Power-Packed Top Order: Smith, Hayden & Ponting

The opening pair features two commanding presences:

Graeme Smith, South Africa’s most successful Test captain, known for his tenacity and unmatched ability to grind out big innings. His record against top bowling attacks is often underrated.
Matthew Hayden, one of the most feared openers in history, brought brute force, intensity, and unmatched aggression at the top. His 380 against Zimbabwe remains the highest Test score by an Aussie.

At No. 3, Ricky Ponting anchors the top order. Punter’s blend of fierce competitiveness, sharp tactical brain, and ability to play both pace and spin made him a legend. His inclusion is as expected as it is deserved.

Middle Order: Kohli, Smith & Williamson – Modern Batting Royalty

At No. 4 is Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of modern Indian cricket. With over 25,000 international runs, Kohli has mastered all three formats. De Villiers and Kohli share a special bond from their IPL days at RCB, and the admiration clearly continues.
Steve Smith, often compared to the likes of Bradman for his staggering Test average and quirky but effective technique, slots in at No. 5. His ability to bat long hours and adapt across conditions makes him invaluable.
Kane Williamson follows at No. 6, bringing calmness and technique to this high-octane lineup. One of the most elegant batters of his generation, Williamson is revered for his poise under pressure and consistent run-making in Tests and ODIs alike.

Wicketkeeper & Finisher: MS Dhoni

No surprises here—MS Dhoni is the keeper and arguably the best finisher in modern cricket. While Dhoni’s Test record may not match his ODI prowess, his tactical brain, leadership, and match-winning aura elevate him beyond stats. Known for ‘keeping cool’ under pressure, his glove work, lightning-fast stumpings, and helicopter shots are now part of cricket folklore.

Pace & Spin Duo: Johnson, Asif, Murali & Warne

Mitchell Johnson brings raw pace and intimidation. At his peak—particularly during the 2013–14 Ashes—he was unplayable, rattling even the best with hostile spells.
Mohammad Asif, the Pakistani genius with seam wizardry, was perhaps one of the most naturally gifted swing bowlers. De Villiers faced him and has often praised Asif’s subtle variations and intelligence with the new ball.
Muttiah Muralitharan, with a record 800 Test wickets, needs no introduction. His guile, control, and magical off-breaks turned countless games.
Shane Warne, the showman and tactician, complements Murali with his leg-spin mastery. His “Ball of the Century” remains etched in cricket’s collective memory. Together, these two spinners would be a nightmare for any opposition.

12th Man: Glenn McGrath – The Metronome

While it might seem odd to place Glenn McGrath as the 12th man, it’s a testament to the embarrassment of riches de Villiers had to choose from. McGrath’s pinpoint accuracy, relentless line-and-length bowling, and over 900 international wickets made him one of the most feared pacers for nearly two decades.

The Omission That Stunned the World: No Sachin Tendulkar

The decision that truly shocked the cricketing world was the absence of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, India’s cricketing deity.

With over 34,000 international runs, 100 international centuries, and more than two decades of global dominance, Tendulkar has become synonymous with cricket itself. From Sydney to Sharjah, he has played some of the most iconic innings in history.

So why did de Villiers leave him out?

While AB didn’t explicitly explain the omission, the focus on multi-dimensional players, current-era adaptability, and personal preferences could be key factors. Some might also argue that in terms of strike rate, fielding agility, and modern-day T20-style dynamism, de Villiers leaned towards players more aligned with today’s fast-paced game.

Still, for billions of fans across the globe, Tendulkar is not just a name—he’s an emotion. Social media exploded with reactions, ranging from respectful disagreement to outright disbelief.

“A World XI without Sachin is like a night sky without stars,” one fan tweeted.
“AB’s XI is solid, but no Tendulkar? That hurts,” said another.

De Villiers’ Selection Philosophy

AB de Villiers has always been a cricketer who sees beyond the numbers. His selection reflects a combination of:

Players he played with or against
Tactical flexibility
Match-winning capability across conditions
Skill under pressure

It’s also worth noting that this lineup, though subjective, is incredibly balanced—two destructive openers, a mix of aggressive and classical middle-order players, a world-class keeper-finisher, fiery pacers, and two of the greatest spinners ever.

Whether one agrees or not, AB’s World XI speaks volumes about his cricketing brain.

The Broader Debate: Are All-Time XIs Ever Settled?

This is not the first time such selections have ignited debate, and it certainly won’t be the last.

Legends like Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid, and Wasim Akram also miss out. Cricket, being such a multifaceted game, means no XI can satisfy everyone. But each selection like this keeps the spirit of the game alive, sparking conversations across generations.

AB’s XI – A Modern Master’s Take

AB de Villiers’ all-time World XI may ruffle feathers, especially with the omission of Sachin Tendulkar, but it reflects a modern legend’s perspective on what it takes to succeed in elite cricket. It’s a team built on dominance, adaptability, and balance, with several players he’s shared the field with.

In the end, it’s not just about who made the cut—but the passion, debate, and reverence it evokes for the game’s greats.

AB de Villiers’ All-Time World XI – Summary:

No.	Player	Role
1	Graeme Smith 🇿🇦	Opening Batsman
2	Matthew Hayden 🇦🇺	Opening Batsman
3	Ricky Ponting 🇦🇺	Top-order Batsman
4	Virat Kohli 🇮🇳	Middle-order Batsman
5	Steve Smith 🇦🇺	Middle-order Batsman
6	Kane Williamson 🇳🇿	Middle-order Batsman
7	MS Dhoni (wk) 🇮🇳	Wicketkeeper/Batsman
8	Mitchell Johnson 🇦🇺	Fast Bowler
9	Mohammad Asif 🇵🇰	Swing Bowler
10	Muttiah Muralitharan 🇱🇰	Off-spinner
11	Shane Warne 🇦🇺	Leg-spinner
12	Glenn McGrath 🇦🇺	Reserve Fast Bowler (12th)