Kane Williamson picks India's all-time Test XI, leaves out Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja

Published - 23 Oct 2025, 15:21 IST | Updated - 23 Oct 2025, 16:10 IST

Kane Williamson is regarded as one of the finest all-format batters the game of cricket has ever seen. The legendary New Zealand icon completed 15 years in international cricket in August.

During his illustrious career, Williamson has had the privilege of competing against some of the finest Indian cricketers in the red-ball format.

The 35-year-old recently picked a formidable group of players while picking India's all-time Test XI in a video posted by Middlesex on social media. He decided with Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid.

Sehwag was one of the most flamboyant batters of his time. He was the first Indian batter to register a triple century in Test cricket. The Nawab of Najafgarh finished with two triple tons to his name in the longest format.

Rahul Dravid, on the other hand, was one of the best No. 3 batters of all time in Tests. However, he did open on occasions and had a decent record. The former India captain called time on his Test career with a staggering average of 52.31.

Williamson picked Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar to bat at No. 3 and 4, respectively. The Kiwi veteran had special praise for Tendulkar, as he said that the Master Blaster could do anything, even open the bowling. Meanwhile, Kohli and Williamson played in the 2008 U-19 World Cup, which India won. They have been fierce competitors on the field and good friends off it.

At No. 5, Williamson picked Sunil Gavaskar, who is famous for his exploits as an opening batter. However, the former decided to give the former India captain a new role. For the No. 6 position, he wanted to pick VVS Laxman but went with Ravindra Jadeja because of his all-round abilities.

The inspirational MS Dhoni got the No. 7 spot in the batting order. While Dhoni's Test performances were not on par with his phenomenal ODI exploits, he still played some important knocks for the Asian giants in red-ball cricket.

In the bowling department, Williamson paired Zaheer Khan with Jasprit Bumrah. Both are considered two of the finest pacers to have represented India. Bumrah continues to spearhead the Indian bowling attack across formats. Anil Kumble and Ravichandran Ashwin got the nod as spinners in the side.

After realising that he had picked two spinners in Kumble and Ashwin, Williamson decided to leave out Jadeja and slot Laxman in at No. 6.

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Kane Williamson's all-time India Test XI: Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, MS Dhoni (WK), Zaheer Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin.