International Cricket: My World XI (ODI Matches)

Following my earlier article, titled International Cricket: My World XI (Test Matches), I have decided to come up with the best XI in One Day Internationals.

Unlike test cricket, where the players were chosen purely on the basis of the best technique and temperament, this ODI team will consist of a variety of players, who would bring both flair and experience to the table.

Here's my ODI World XI. I hope you enjoy it!

Sachin Tendulkar

He has all the stats in the world to back his selection, and just one look at the master blaster would condemn all doubts of age halting his progress.

If anything, age has helped him mature, and he has adapted his game perfectly to still be considered the best batsman in the world.

You can't help but admire the ease with which he plays, and fall in love with the game's favorite student.

Shane Watson

He started off as a middle-order batsman, but only after he was promoted to open the batting has the Aussie really flourished.

His rather unorthodox style of batting has helped him conquer his battle against all types of attacks.

Also, he bowls his own brand of medium pace, which is highly effective in stifling the opposition, and he is one of the few players in the world who can be categorized as a genuine all-rounder.

Jacques Kallis

At No. 3, you always want someone highly dependable. And they don't come much more dependable than Jacques Kallis. 

The South African has been a model professional throughout his career, and in terms of technique, very few could boast of a better technique than his.

AB De Villiers

AB gets the nod ahead of Mahela Jayawardene and Michael Clarke here, since not only has he developed into a highly reliable run maker, but he also saves about 15 to 20 runs in the field in every game.

He has gotten over his inhibition of playing in the subcontinent, and his performances for South Africa over recent years have helped assure the country that their future is in good hands.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain)

If you had to describe him in two words, you would have to say "street smart."

He might not be the most talented batsman in the world, but his determination and ability to think out of the box have helped make him the most successful Indian captain, securing 2 world championships since he took over the reins. 

Michael Hussey

The best finisher of the game, since fellow countryman Michael Bevan hung up his boots, Mike Hussey has been extremely consistent over the past couple of years.

Often, he leaves the opposition bamboozled at the rate at which he makes his runs, thanks to his expert ability of rotating the strike.

Add to that, his ability of changing gears almost effortlessly, and you have just some of the reasons why he is referred to as Mr. Cricket.

Shahid Afridi

Boom Boom Afridi finds his way into the team thanks to his vastly improved leg-spin bowling, that has seen him become the best limited overs spin bowler going around. 

He has plenty of varieties, and for the first time in his career, his batting has become secondary.

However, no team would mind a quick-fire 30 from someone who is good enough to be in the team purely as a bowler.

Daniel Vettori

The skipper of New Zealand for quite a few years now, Vettori has proven that hard work will always be rewarded.

Although Graeme Swann is in better form at the moment, the experience that Vettori brings to the table is something that Swann can't offer.

Daniel Vettori is also now essentially an all-rounder, considering the fact that he has played as high as No. 6 for the Kiwis.

Stuart Broad

Much improved since getting hit for 36 runs by Yuvraj Singh in his infamous over against India in the World T20 in 2007, Stuart Broad has a certain calmness about himself now.

He has been rewarded by the ECB, who have made him the T20 captain of the country.

He can also be handy with the bat, as he has showed in the recent test match series against India.

Brett Lee

He might be 34 years old, he might have retired from test match cricket, but "Binga" still ranks right up there, when it comes to fast bowlers.

What helps him, as far as his selection, is his ability to bowl with both the new and old ball equally effectively.

He might not be touching 160 kmph anymore, but what he has lost in pace, he has gained in accuracy.

And it's not as if he is slow or anything now, he's still clocking 145 kmph regularly.

Lasith Malinga

"Slinga Malinga" is the most menacing pace bowler in world cricket at this moment, and if he can continue to bowl those yorkers at that pace, he will continue to be one of the most feared bowlers for years to come.

He has adapted his game to the needs of international cricket quite nicely, with a slower ball that foxes plenty of batsmen, but what he does extremely well, is bowl in the block-hole with unwavering accuracy.

And if the IPL should be considered for any basis of judgement, it seems as though he can tonk the ball a fair distance too!