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Kohli, Gambhir Openers, Ganguly Captain: Ponting, Afridi IN As World Cup Winner Picks All-Time Calmest XI

Introduction

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has made a bold selection for his all-time calmest playing XI, which includes some of the biggest names in the history of the game. The side is captained by former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly and features the likes of Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir, Ricky Ponting, and Afridi himself.

Calmness Amidst the Storm

In a game where emotions often run high, these players have consistently displayed remarkable composure on the field. Whether it's handling the pressure of a big match or dealing with adversity, they have remained calm and collected, inspiring their teams to success.

Openers: Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir

– Virat Kohli: One of the most dominant batsmen of this era, Kohli is known for his aggressive style but also his ability to stay calm under pressure. He has led India to numerous victories with his consistent performances and leadership skills.

– Gautam Gambhir: A left-handed opener feared by bowlers, Gambhir was a mainstay in the Indian team for over a decade. His composure and determination were instrumental in India's 2011 World Cup victory.

Captain: Sourav Ganguly

– Sourav Ganguly: Known as “Dada,” Ganguly led India to one of its most successful periods from 2000 to 2005. His aggressive captaincy style complemented his calm demeanor in times of crisis, inspiring his team to numerous overseas victories.

Middle Order: Ricky Ponting, Shahid Afridi, and AB de Villiers

– Ricky Ponting: A former Australian captain, Ponting was one of the most successful batsmen in the history of the game. Known as “Punter,” he was known for his calmness and ability to control the game's tempo.

– Shahid Afridi: Afridi, a former Pakistan all-rounder, has been a crowd favorite throughout his career. Despite his aggressive style, he has shown remarkable composure in handling high-pressure situations.

– AB de Villiers: One of the most versatile players in the game, de Villiers can bat, bowl, and keep wicket. His exceptional skills are matched by his calm demeanor on the field, making him a valuable asset to any team.

All-Rounders: Jacques Kallis and Kapil Dev

– Jacques Kallis: A South African all-rounder, Kallis is considered one of the greatest all-time players. His ability to bowl with pace and bat with elegance, combined with his calm demeanor, made him a formidable opponent.

– Kapil Dev: The first Indian captain to win a World Cup, Kapil Dev was a true all-rounder. His ability to swing the ball at pace and score quick runs, combined with his leadership skills, made him a force to be reckoned with.

Bowlers: Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Zaheer Khan

– Wasim Akram: A left-arm fast bowler from Pakistan, Akram is considered one of the greatest bowlers in history. His lethal swing and variety made him a nightmare for batsmen, but he always maintained a calm and collected demeanor.

– Shoaib Akhtar: Known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” Shoaib Akhtar was one of the fastest bowlers of his generation. Despite his aggressive style, he showed remarkable composure in handling pressure situations.

– Zaheer Khan: A left-arm fast bowler from India, Zaheer Khan was an integral part of the team's success in the mid-2000s. His ability to move the ball both ways, combined with his calm and steady approach, made him a reliable force.

Conclusion

Shahid Afridi's All-Time Calmest XI is a formidable team, combining exceptional talent with remarkable composure. These players have consistently demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, inspire their teams, and achieve success on the grandest stage of all.