All-Time ODI XI: The men who matter

#6 MS Dhoni (Wicket-keeper & Captain) (India)

Dhoni possesses a remarkable multi-dimensional skill set

Among the most scrutinised cricketers of the modern era, MS Dhoni‘s journey has been quite an eventful one. Absorbing both crests and troughs with equal tranquillity, the wicket-keeper batsman has overseen numerous successful run-chases by remaining nerveless till the very end. Even amidst uncertainty, his sangfroid nature enables him to get on top of the situation and render opponents helpless.

Dhoni’s incredibly high threshold for pressure came to the fore in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium. A natural leader of men, his aptness in procuring the best out of his teammates adds to his aura. He is one of only three players to obtain more than 100 ODI victories as a captain.

Statistics: 9275 runs from 286 matches at an average of 50.96 and strike-rate of 88.98 with 10 centuries and 61 fifties; 256 catches and 38 stumpings

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#7 Lance Klusener (South Africa)

Klusener’s all-round prowess should lend immense balance to the playing XI

With his lusty blows during the final phase of the innings and penetrative spells at critical moments in the game, Lance Klusener was the quintessential ODI cricketer. The unruffled demeanour became his alluring charm while the increasingly rare characteristic of standing tall in the face of adversity imparted substantial firmness to the South African team of the late 90s and early 2000s.

The abiding memory will be his exploits in the 1999 World Cup in England & Wales. In nine matches, he smashed 281 runs at an astounding average of 140.50 and also picked up 17 wickets to put in a memorable all-round performance. He looked set to guide the Proteas into the final until fate decided to intervene.

Statistics: 3576 runs from 171 matches at an average of 41.10 and strike-rate of 89.91 with 2 centuries and 19 fifties; 192 wickets at an average of 29.95 and economy-rate of 4.70 with 6 five-wicket hauls