Current best World XI across all formats

Unlike most other sports, cricket is played across three different formats, each unique in its own right. Each format demands an exclusive skill set, yet the finest players have the tendency to acclimatize themselves across all formats; a trait not everyone is blessed with.

While test cricket is the pinnacle for most, some prefer the shorter formats i.e T20I's and ODI's. While one tests your discipline and ability to focus over five days, the other two force you to think ahead and improvise based on the current situation.

Over the years, only a few have been able to adapt, and in the process, established themselves as the very best. Here, in my opinion, is the current best world XI across all formats.

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1 - Jonny Bairstow (England)

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His great desire and relentless approach have attained him a place in England's limited over sides. Calamitous at the top of the order, his clean exquisite stroke making often provides England a good start, transferring the pressure onto the opposition bowlers. Once set, YJB has the penchant to score big.

His average of 38.4 in tests and 50.31 in ODIs is a testament to the same. A fearless, combative wicketkeeper-batsman, Bairstow is a force to reckon with across all three formats. Yorkshire's Jonny Bairstow cemented his place in test XI following his prolific run-scoring for his county.

Intensive work with England's wicket-keeping coach has made his keeping more secure, putting to bed majority of his criticism. Dependable in the middle order and equally destructive, Bairstow fits the English attacking philosophy perfectly.

2 - Quinton de Kock (South Africa - wk)

Quinton de Kock is probably coming the closest to emulating the legendary Adam Gilchrist. Some of the feats he's accomplished at such a young age are unfathomable, and there's no surprise he's already being considered a future great.

An asset with both the bat and gloves, Quinton has become an integral part of Cricket South Africa's set up across all formats. Gifted with a natural flair, his aggressive stroke making accompanied with the ability to shift gears when needed, separates him from the rest.

In regard to his exploits behind the stumps, his impeccably quick hands and extreme levels of fitness, have seen him pull off stunners from time to time, creating an opportunity out of nothing.

3 - Virat Kohli (India - captain)

Ruthlessness, passion and sheer determination are some of the numerous traits often associated with Kohli. Arguably the most dogged and popular performer in the sport, Kohli's desire to keep improving has made him one of the best batsmen in the world across all formats.

His ability to score big all around the ground with minimal risk sets him apart. Equipped with a fierce cut, textbook drives, wristy flick and a commanding pull shot, he's able to switch gears with utmost ease.

There is no better batsman than Kohli in chases, regardless of the format. His confidence in his abilities and clear mindset have often seen him do the unthinkable. His aggression and astute thinking have earned him plenty of success as captain.

With personal accolades being broken with utmost ease, Kohli's on an expedition to conquer all both as a player and as a captain.

4 - Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

Calmness Personified. Arguably New Zealand's best batsman, one rarely comes across Williamson flustered on a cricket field. Williamson's batting is pleasing on the eye, his splendid stroke play accompanied with a gritty determination makes him a force to reckon with.

His ability to play spin as well as pace sets him apart from most and is one of the key reasons for his success all over the world. A crafty captain, Williamson has often led his team to victory leading from the front.

With an exemplary record in Tests and ODIs, his scintillating form in the recently concluded Indian Premier League has only further added to his repertoire.

5 - Joe Root (England)

Since his debut back in 2012, Root has gone from strength to strength. From his scintillating 73 against India on debut, Root has gone on to establish himself as one of the best batsmen in the world across all formats.

Another exquisite timer of the ball, Root has the ability to find the gaps with utmost ease and disdainfully dispatch the loose deliveries. Arguably England's best batsman at the moment and test captain, Root boasts an astonishing average of 51.83 in tests.

It's surprising how his place in the limited overs side often comes under scrutiny with a scintillating average of 51.61 in ODIs and 35.77 in T20s. Having scored back to back hundreds in the recently concluded ODI series against India, Root now proudly holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs for England.

6 - Moeen Ali (England)

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Having come off a disappointing Ashes, a return in form has done Moeen a world of good. Moeen has been one of the major reasons for England's white ball dominance and has been pivotal in tests as an able all-rounder.

Moeen's ability to time the ball as well as muscle it out of the ground, allows him to play to the situation. Whether it's capitalizing on a great start or rebuilding, he has it all.

Apart from his batting potential, Moeen has been grabbing the headlines with the ball in hand. Keeping proceedings tight, he's been able to chip away at wickets across all formats. His ability to rush through overs have really benefited England.

7 - Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

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Number one all rounder in the world at the moment. That distinction alone highlights his greatness. As a bowler, Shakib is deadly accurate and consistent. His ability to stay economical builds pressure on the opposition forcing them to take risks.

His aggression and a wide range of strokes are the keys to his batting. Spearhead of both the batting and bowling department, he created history by topping the ranking charts as Number 1 all rounder in all three formats.

Throughout his career, and still going strong, Shakib has managed to amass 10200 runs so far, and taken 508 wickets and counting.

8 - Shadab Khan (Pakistan)

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At the mere age of nineteen, Shadab has taken everyone by storm. A prodigious leg spinner, Shadab burst on to the scene during the 2016/17 PSL season, and since, has not looked back.

An integral part of the Pakistan camp, Shadab prefers a more loopy trajectory as he tries to deceive batsmen, rather than to try and contain them. His variations and accuracy have led to him picking up several wickets at a remarkable economy. He boasts an economy of 4.76 in ODIs and 6.72 in T20s. Truly remarkable.

He's also handy with the bat, making him a valuable all-rounder and a true gem for Pakistan. His ODI average of 52 is a testament to the same. If he continues with such performances, there's no doubt he'll be one of the biggest stars in the future.

9 - Trent Boult (New Zealand)

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Left-arm quick, over 140 clicks, Boult can swing the ball both in to and away from the batsman on any pitch. If the pitch offers some assistance, he becomes way deadlier.

With a knack of picking wickets early on in the innings, Boult is equally as effective during the death overs. Along with his partner in crime Southee, Boult spearheads the New Zealand attack and is the go-to bowler if wickets are required.

Along with his bowling, Boult is one of those rare breeds of fast bowlers who are freaks on the field. Throughout his career, he's had the knack of taking extraordinary catches, recently adding RCB captain Virat Kohli to his list.

10 - Josh Hazlewood (Australia)

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Part of the infamous big three, Hazlewood is probably the closest the world has to Glenn McGrath. Emulating his idol, tall and accurate; Hazlewood is unabating in his line and length.

With six 5 wicket hauls and 151 wickets in 40 test matches, Hazlewood is a mainstay in the Australian test team. His prowess also extends to the limited-overs formats, where he boasts an incredible economy of 4.73 in ODIs.

Hazlewood was instrumental in Australia winning the 2015 World Cup, with his best figures coming in the Quarter Finals against Pakistan. He's shone in the Big Bash League and had an impressive World T20 held in India.

11 - Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

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Extreme pace, the ability to swing the ball both ways, and accuracy are what makes Kagiso Rabada so potent. A well-built, genuine quick like Rabada is arguably one of South Africa's greatest talents off late.

At a mere age of 20, he announced himself to the world stage establishing himself as the leader of the South African pace attack. Currently number one in test rankings, he's equally instrumental across the other two formats too.

A genius with the ball, Kagiso is no mug with the bat either. He tends to put a high price on his wicket and is able to survive the toughest of conditions. Similarly, he also possesses great flair, allowing him to play a great array of shots and also has the power to muscle the ball.