Glenn Maxwell ODI XI: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is one of the most entertaining and innovative cricketers, and he recently revealed his personal ODI all-time XI, restricted to players from India, Australia, and England.
With his fearless batting, inventive stroke play, and more, handy off-spin, the team selection for Maxwell reflects a clear emphasis on balance, blending explosive hitters and match-winners with steady performers.
Interestingly, no English player features in his final XI a call that is surely bound to divide opinion among the fans.
Glenn Maxwell ODI XI
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – Opener
The ‘Little Master’ is an automatic inclusion in almost every dream ODI lineup. With 18,426 runs, 49 centuries and an average of 44.83, Sachin Tendulkar remains the gold standard of consistency and class.
Read More
And Maxwell’s choice is no surprise, because Tendulkar brings in technical perfection, adaptability, and the ability to dominate in any conditions. His knack for balancing aggression with control automatically makes him the ideal foil for any top order.
Other options could be England’s Jason Roy or Australian David Warner for explosive starts, but none have the longevity, experience, and influence in one-day cricket as Tendulkar does.
2. Rohit Sharma (India) – Opener
At the top, partnering Tendulkar is Rohit Sharma, the “Hitman” of Indian cricket. With three double centuries in ODIs and 34 hundreds, his ability to convert starts into monumental innings has made Rohit an elite one-day opener.
His calmness in ICC tournaments and natural timing complement the methodical approach of Tendulkar perfectly.
Why Maxwell chose him: Rohit offers both stability and firepower, the hallmark of a modern-day ODI giant.
Alternative Choices: Jonny Bairstow and Warner were considered, but the combination of grace and power in Rohit makes him a class apart in Glenn Maxwell ODI XI.
3. Virat Kohli (India) – No. 3
At number three, Virat Kohli is an undisputed choice. He has scored 12,898 runs at an average of 57.32 with 46 centuries, and his consistency, especially in chases, is unmatched.
He bridges the top order and middle order, rotates strike early, and explodes late.
Why Kohli over others: The reason Maxwell would have picked Kohli over Steve Smith and Joe Root is quite clear – Kohli’s record in ODI cricket and his unmatched success in run-chases make him the backbone of the lineup.
It means stability and relentless competitiveness at the heart of batting, considering Kohli’s inclusion.
4. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – Middle Order
A proven match-winner and one of Australia’s greatest captains, Ricky Ponting brings both aggression and experience. With 13,704 ODI runs and 30 centuries, he could either rebuild or dominate depending on the situation of the match.
Maxwell’s reasoning: His leadership, intense approach, and success in ICC events sets him apart. The heartbeat of Australia’s golden generation and one of the best ODI middle-order batsmen of all time.
Alternative: Kevin Pietersen had the flair without Ponting’s balance between aggression and consistency.
5. Michael Bevan (Australia) – Finisher
Maxwell selects Michael Bevan at number five-arguably cricket’s first proper ODI finisher. Bevan managed 6,912 runs at an average of 53.58 and was famous for taking Australia over the line in seemingly impossible run-chases.
His calculated approach under pressure contrasts perfectly with the power-hitters around him.
Jos Buttler or Andrew Symonds may offer modern-day explosiveness, but Bevan’s ice-cool temperament and tactical awareness make him the smarter option.
Bevan’s presence adds calm and reliability to the Glenn Maxwell ODI XI middle order.
6. Shane Watson (Australia) – All-Rounder
A properly balanced ODI team demands a quality all-rounder, and Shane Watson fits the bill. With 5,753 runs at 40.54 and 168 wickets, Watson was a genuine match-winner with bat and ball.
He can open, is a middle-order batsman, and can bowl crucial overs, which makes him a strategic asset.
Why Maxwell chose him: Watson’s all-round contribution in ICC events and his adaptability give him an edge over contemporaries like Ben Stokes, Andrew Flintoff, or Hardik Pandya.
Watson is perhaps one of the most under-rated ODI players, but his consistency across formats justifies his spot.
7. MS Dhoni (India) – Wicketkeeper & Finisher
No ODI dream team is complete without MS Dhoni. The former Indian captain redefined finishing in limited overs cricket.
Dhoni brings with him the unmatched coolness, leadership, and finishing ability with 10,773 runs at an average of 50.57 apart from over 1,000 dismissals behind the stumps.
Why Maxwell chose Dhoni: More than his batting and keeping, the tactical acumen he brings and the calmness under pressure make him invaluable.
Alternative: The explosiveness of Jos Buttler is tempting, but the leadership and cricket intelligence of Dhoni make him irreplaceable in Maxwell’s XI.
8. Brett Lee (Australia) – Fast Bowler
The first specialist pacer in Maxwell’s lineup is Brett Lee, one of the quickest bowlers ever to have played the game. With 380 ODI wickets at 23.36, Lee’s raw pace and wicket-taking ability made him a constant threat.
Why he fits: Early breakthroughs and lower-order hitting make Lee a true impact player.
Other options: Jimmy Anderson, Pat Cummins, or Mitchell Starc might have fitted the bill, but Lee’s aggressive edge and sustained strike power make him perfect for the Glenn Maxwell ODI XI attack.
9. Anil Kumble (India) – Spinner
For the spin department, Maxwell looks to Anil Kumble, India’s most successful ODI spinner. His 337 wickets at 30.89 are a testament to his accuracy, bounce, and subtle variations.
Kumble’s discipline and reliability make him the perfect foil for the pace attack.
Alternative: Shane Warne was an obvious consideration, but Kumble’s economy, control, and ODI effectiveness make him better suited to the 50-over format.
10. Jasprit Bumrah (India) – Death Bowler
As one of modern cricket’s deadliest pacers, Jasprit Bumrah, Maxwell gets his death-over specialist. Poised for the big moments, Bumrah thrives under most pressure with pinpoint yorkers and deceptive slower balls.
Why Bumrah over others: His incomparable accuracy in all phases, the powerplay, middle overs, and death, gives him an edge no other competitor, like Starc or Jofra Archer, has.
Bumrah is the perfect modern-day bowler in Maxwell’s XI.
11. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – Strike Bowler
Completing the lineup is Glenn McGrath, arguably the most accurate pacer in ODI history. With 381 wickets at 22.02, McGrath’s precision and his ability to maintain relentless pressure make him indispensable. Why Maxwell chose him: McGrath’s partnership with Lee ensures both control and strike power.
His ability to dominate top-order batters makes him one of the greatest ODI bowlers ever. Alternatives: Stuart Broad or Mitchell Johnson offered variety, but McGrath’s calm precision under pressure gives him the edge.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 trades: Sanju Samson Swap For Jadeja, Curran In CSK
