Former Rising Pune Supergiant star picks best T20 XI; overlooks MS Dhoni

Veteran leg-spinner Adam Zampa picked some world-class players while naming his best T20 XI. However, there was no place for the legendary MS Dhoni in his lineup. Interestingly, Zampa played under MS Dhoni’s captaincy at Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2016 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

During an interview with the Willowtalk podcast, Zampa named his best T20 XI, featuring players he has played with. The 33-year-old named Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle as his two openers. Gayle is the leading run-getter in T20 cricket. Meanwhile, Kohli has the most runs in the IPL.

England great – Kevin Pietersen – was given the No. 3 spot by Zampa, while Aussie wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis secured the No. 4 slot. Pietersen was the Player of the Tournament when England won the T20 World Cup in 2010. Inglis, on the other hand, played a key role in helping the Punjab Kings reach the final in IPL 2025.

For No. 5, 6, and 7, Zampa picked the formidable trio of AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, and Andre Russell. De Villiers, former South African captain and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) legend, is regarded as one of the finest batters of all time in T20 cricket. Russell and Maxwell are two players who can win matches on their own when in form.

Sunil Narine and Samuel Badree were the two specialist spinners picked by Zampa in his side. The former is the only player to win the MVP (Most Valuable Player) title in three different seasons. On the other hand, Badree was the No. 1-ranked bowler in T20I cricket for quite some time in his career.

In the seam-bowling department, Zampa picked compatriots Nathan Ellis and Josh Hazlewood. Both of them will be representing Australia in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers for RCB during their triumphant campaign in IPL 2025.

Adam Zampa’s best all-time T20 XI (only players he has played with): Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Kevin Pietersen, Josh Inglis, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nathan Ellis, Samuel Badree, Josh Hazlewood.