![Babar Azam picks ODI World XI [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777727685509_BabarAzamRohitSharma.jpg?type=hq)
Babar Azam picks ODI World XI [Source: AFP]
T20 extravaganza has taken all the limelight over the summer in the sub-continent, with the ongoing IPL 2026 alongside PSL 2026. Notably, the former Pakistan skipper has been in the thick of things, playing fast-paced cricket, contrary to his reputation and lighting the stage on fire in the PSL, as Peshawar Zalmi play the final on Sunday.
However, soon, as the T20 season ends, teams around the World will shift their focus to the ODIs and begin their preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup, and the in-form Babar Azam will be among the central figures of the Pakistan side.
With the marquee World Cup 2027 in sight, the star batter, with over 6500 runs, averaging 54, was seen picking his best World XI for the format. However, he has shockingly snubbed stars, leaving everyone confused.
Babar Azam picks 0 Indians in ODI World XI
Just days ahead of the PSL 2026 final, where Babar Azam will lead the Peshawar Zalmi against Marnus Labuschagne’s Hyderabad Kingsmen, he sat with the Zalmi media for a video. While speaking to Zalmi TV, he was asked to pick his best ODI XI, with a maximum of two players from each country.
Among the 11 names, there were no Indians, despite their recent run to the World Cup 2023 final and the subsequent ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph.
Leaving out Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he went with the top-3 of Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head and Aiden Markram, while Jasprit Bumrah was left out for Jofra Archer, Shaheen Afridi and Kagiso Rabada.
Babar Azam’s ODI World XI:
Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Aiden Markram, Mohammad Rizwan, Rachin Ravindra, Harry Brook, Mitchell Santner, Rashid Khan, Jofra Archer, Shaheen Afridi, Kagiso Rabada.
12th Man- Babar Azam.
Also Read: Pakistan Pacer Fights With New Zealand International, Then Quotes Rahul Dravid
Babar snubs Indians despite domination over Pakistan
In the last few years, since the turn of the millennium, Pakistan have consistently failed to get results against India, across formats. Their last win over India dates back to October 2022, when they won in the T20 Asia Cup. Since then, they have lost 9 and a match was washed out against the arch-rivals.
Notably, they are yet to beat India in ODIs since the Champions Trophy Final, 2017, suffering defeats in the subsequent World Cups, Asia Cups and the ICC Champions Trophy.
The likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah have consistently dominated against Pakistan, while Hardik Pandya is another big name who did not make the cut in Babar’s World XI.
Babar Azam eyes PSL title with Zalmi
The Peshawar Zalmi captain, Babar Azam, has been at the peak of his abilities in the ongoing tournament, proving his doubters wrong as he closes in on 600 runs at a strike rate close to 150.
He has led the Peshawar Zalmi to 9 wins in 11 matches, losing only one, while one of their league matches got washed out. His team will head into the final as the favourites to win their first trophy since 2017.
Also Read: CSK Vs MI Toss: No Sign Of MS Dhoni, Debutant For Mumbai Indians As Hardik Pandya Wins The Toss
