Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s stoic red-ball warrior, recently unveiled his all-time Test XI for India — and left himself out of the team. Despite being India’s modern-day bulwark at No. 3, Pujara humbly handed that honour to his idol and former coach, Rahul Dravid. He revealed his XI on Vikrant Unfiltered, a podcast by Sports Tak. As openers, he picked two legends cut from entirely different cloth: Sunil Gavaskar, the original master of technique, and Virender Sehwag, the fearless stroke-maker.
He said:
"The openers are a weird combination, both are very strong batters, but Calm and composed Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag, very aggressive. So, this can different way. Number 3. Rahul Dravid. He has been a better player. Without any doubt."
VVS Laxman slotted in next — no surprise there. The Hyderabad stylist is known for rescuing India from the brink, most famously in the 281-run Eden Gardens epic.
Dhoni over Pant, Kumble-Ashwin spin duo: Pujara's picks complete a legendary XI
For wicketkeeper, Pujara leaned towards experience — MS Dhoni got the nod over Rishabh Pant. He said,
“MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant are close. Right now, it’s MS Dhoni because Rishabh is progressing as a cricketer.”
Though he hopes Pant may take that spot in the future.
The bowling line-up was a strong mix of pace and spin. He picked Kapil Dev — the man who brought India its first World Cup — and Jasprit Bumrah, modern cricket’s pace machine. Pujara implied,
"They cover different eras but bring equal value."
For spin, he trusted Anil Kumble, India’s top Test wicket-taker, and Ravichandran Ashwin, the tactical wizard who’s still rewriting records. Together, they round off a team that blends class, grit, and greatness.
Pujara’s All-Time India Test XI:
Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, MS Dhoni (wk), Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah.
