Best ODI XI of 2018

Spinners - Rashid Khan and Kuldeep Yadav

Rashid Khan

The obvious choices when it comes to spinners are Rashid Khan and Kuldeep Yadav. Currently, both bowlers are ranked at no. 2 & 3 in the ICC ODI rankings respectively. Both spinners possess a unique wicket-taking ability that is unmatched.

2018 was a phenomenal year for Rashid Khan that saw the Afghanistan bowler scalp 48 wickets from 20 matches at an amazing average of 14.45. He picked up two fifers and has been instrumental to his team’s performances with the ball. He also finished the year as the leading wicket-taker and is currently the no. 1 ranked all-rounder in ODIs.

Some could argue Rashid Khan’s legitimacy considering the fact that he has played against weaker teams like Zimbabwe, Ireland, Scotland, Hong Kong, UAE. etc. However, he hasn’t failed to impress when playing against bigger teams like West Indies, Sri Lanka, and India.

Kuldeep Yadav is another spinner who has garnered a lot of attention for himself in 2018. He was India’s leading wicket-taker and was also the second highest wicket-taker of the year. He scalped a total of 45 wickets in 19 matches. He performed well during India’s tour of South Africa last year picking up 17 wickets in just six games. He followed it up with another string of good performances against England. He also picked up his career-best bowling figures of 25/6 against England. His continuous form with the ball has earned himself a place in the ODI XI of 2018.