Suresh Raina’s World XI Omits Kohli & Dhoni; Faces Backlash for Playing in WCL 2025

In a move that has sparked debate and headlines, former India cricketer Suresh Raina revealed his “World Championship of Legends XI,” featuring a mix of iconic cricketers from around the globe. Interestingly, the playing XI omits modern Indian legends Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. Despite their incredible international legacies, Raina opted for a more classic blend of cricketing greats, prioritizing balance and versatility across eras.

Raina’s World XI features a dream top order: Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Vivian Richards, and Gary Sobers – a lineup that oozes dominance and elegance. The middle order includes Yuvraj Singh, Ian Botham, and Andrew Flintoff, offering power-hitting and all-round depth. The bowling unit is equally legendary with spin maestro Shane Warne, Indian stalwarts Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble, and Pakistan’s mystery spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. South Africa’s Paul Adams makes it into the side as the Impact Player.

Suresh Raina’s World Playing 11:
Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Vivian Richards, Gary Sobers, Yuvraj Singh, Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff, Shane Warne, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, Saqlain Mushtaq
Impact Player: Paul Adams

While Raina’s selection has cricket fans buzzing, controversy surrounds the tournament itself. India Champions – Raina’s team – begin their WCL 2025 campaign on July 20 against arch-rivals Pakistan at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The tournament also features teams from Australia, England, South Africa, and West Indies.

But what should’ve been a celebratory return to cricket for these legends is marred by criticism back home. Many fans are outraged by the decision of former Indian players – including Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Irfan Pathan, and Harbhajan Singh – to participate in a tournament that includes Pakistan, especially in the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

Months ago, several of these same players, including Dhawan and Yuvraj, had openly criticized Pakistan cricketers like Shahid Afridi for anti-India comments and behavior. Now, their decision to share the field with them in a private league has sparked accusations of hypocrisy and selective patriotism.

Despite the backlash, the World Championship of Legends is set to continue, with the Indian squad focused on their cricketing campaign. Whether the controversy fades or intensifies will depend not just on performances, but on how players address the public sentiment surrounding their choices.