Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane recently assembled an underrated ODI XI, curating a lineup of players whose contributions in the 50-over format have often been overshadowed by more celebrated contemporaries. During a discussion with Cricbuzz, Rahane constructed a side blending legendary batters, versatile all-rounders, and accomplished bowlers from across cricketing nations.
The selection opens with former South Africa captain Graeme Smith and New Zealand great Nathan Astle. Smith was revered for his leadership and ability to lay solid foundations, while Astle possessed the aggression to shift an innings’ momentum. Both enjoyed distinguished careers, though their ODI exploits occasionally received less fanfare than peers of their generation.
At number three sits Suresh Raina, followed by Sri Lankan icon Aravinda de Silva at four. Raina was a linchpin of India’s limited-overs setup, delivering numerous match-winning performances under pressure, yet remains widely viewed as one of his era’s most underappreciated batters. De Silva, meanwhile, was the architect of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph, establishing himself as a genuine match-winner with both bat and ball.
Behind the stumps, Rahane selected South African great Mark Boucher. While MS Dhoni and Adam Gilchrist typically dominate greatest wicketkeeper debates, Boucher’s record is formidable: 424 dismissals (402 catches, 22 stumpings) across his ODI career.
The all-rounder slots go to England’s Andrew Flintoff and former India international Robin Singh. Flintoff was among England’s most impactful all-rounders, capable of decisive interventions with bat and ball through sheer aggression and big-match temperament. Robin Singh was a dependable fixture for India in the 1990s, valued for athletic fielding, useful medium pace, and lower-order batting, though he seldom garnered headlines alongside higher-profile teammates.
The bowling unit comprises two spinners and two pacemen. Daniel Vettori and Graeme Swann provide spin variety and control, while the pace attack pairs New Zealand’s Shane Bond with Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas. Bond’s express pace and strike capability made him one of his generation’s most feared quicks; Vaas complemented raw speed with swing, accuracy, and subtle variations that consistently troubled batters.
Ajinkya Rahane’s Underrated ODI XI: Graeme Smith, Nathan Astle, Suresh Raina, Aravinda de Silva, Mark Boucher (wk), Andrew Flintoff, Robin Singh, Daniel Vettori, Graeme Swann, Shane Bond, Chaminda Vaas.
