As the decade has ended, a lot of cricket experts have shared their teams of the decade [https://www.essentiallysports.com/ricky-ponting-unveils-his-test-team-of-the-decade-names-virat-kohli-as-captain/]. The team includes those players who have dominated the game from 2010-19. Robin Uthappa has recently revealed his ODI team of the decade and named MS Dhoni [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Dhoni] as the captain. FIVE INDIAN PLAYERS IN ROBIN UTHAPPA’S ODI XI OF THE DECADE Uthappa’s Playing XI has five Indian cricketers. They are — former India captain MS Dhoni, captain Virat Kohli, limited-over vice-captain Rohit Sharma [https://www.essentiallysports.com/ms-dhoni-named-captain-of-cricket-australia-team-of-decade-virat-kohli-and-rohit-sharma-also-included/], former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and speedster Zaheer Khan. Along with Rohit, another opener is Universe Boss Chris Gayle. While Rohit Sharma is arguably the best opening batsman in limited-overs cricket right now, Gayle wasn’t too active in ODI throughout the decade. In 96 ODIs, he scored 3,051 runs at an average of 33.52 and a strike rate of 99.15 which included six centuries and 15 half-centuries. Virat Kohli is the obvious choice in this list after seeing his stunning performances for the last few years. Uthappa also selected Australia batsman Steve Smith. He scored 3,810 runs in 118 ODIs at an average of 41.41 and a strike rate of 46.31. Although he didn’t dominate the format, he is one of the best Test cricketers in recent time. Virat Kohli [https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Virat-Kohli-500x375.jpg]Virat Kohli Apart from them, Uthappa has also added former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and experienced MS Dhoni in his team. Like Gayly, Yuvraj too had an ordinary ODI in this decade. In 59 ODIs, Yuvraj has scored 1,452 runs at an average of 33 and a strike rate of 81.43. Among the bowlers, Uthappa has added three pace bowlers. England all-rounder Ben Stokes, experienced Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga and former India pacer Zaheer Khan. Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori is the only spinner in the side. ROBIN UTHAPPA’S ODI XI OF THE DECADE Rohit Sharma, Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, AB de Villiers, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Ben Stokes, Daniel Vettori, Zaheer Khan, Lasith Malinga 

Robin Uthappa has recently revealed his ODI team of the decade and named MS
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AB de Villiers Biography

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, also known as Mr 360, what can be said about him? AB de Villiers has grown to become one of the world's best batsmen. When in form, de Villiers is deadly with a capital D.

The South African possesses the knack of tearing into any bowling attack. AB de Villiers has the capability of giving bowlers nightmares for days on end. At a young age, every selector had their eyes trained on him alone. He was soon rewarded with a berth among the Proteas at the age of 20 in 2004.

In his Test debut at home against England, he almost single-handedly rescued South Africa from the jaws of defeat. In the same series, he smashed his maiden Test century. With that, the legend of AB de Villiers was born.

However, a year later, like most players, a slump in his form plagued him. But he combatted that with an astounding 217 against India. In the process AB de Villiers set a record as the first South African to smash a double ton against India.

Ab de Villiers possesses a mainstream attacking game, he complements that with a back-and-across trigger movement and a late-block in his defensive arsenal. Aside from that, he tends to play in accordance with the situation and conditions as well.

However, he is not invincible, if an elbow surgery in 2016 is any proof. As a result, he made an appearance in only one Test series all year. Following his recovery, AB de Villiers returned to the limited-overs formats, but avoided Test cricket to 'lighten his workload'.

<img class="size-full wp-image-152513 aligncenter" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2019-04-03-at-12.05.12-AM.png" alt="AB de Villiers" width="465" height="349" />

IPL Career

With regard to the IPL AB de Villiers is a fan favourite in any city. De Villiers has been in the IPL right from its inception in 2008. During that time, he was with the Delhi Daredevils.

But he truly announced himself to the world when he joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011. He still delivered handsomely for Delhi, courtesy a 105 against the Chennai Super Kings.

He was let go by Delhi in the wake of a poor 2010 season and RCB pounced immediately. They nabbed him for a whopping 1.1 million dollars and they were going to make Delhi regret their decision to drop him.

Since then, AB de Villiers has proven his money's worth for Bangalore. The big-hitting South African formed a dangerous triumvirate with skipper, Virat Kohli and Jamaican star, Chris Gayle. He ended up as the leading run-getter for RCB for three seasons.

IPL 2019 Expectations

Now, AB de Villiers has stuck around with the Royal Challengers for yet another season. The team are desperate for a maiden IPL triumph inspite of boasting the strongest batting line-up ever. He has achieved a high score of an unbeaten 133* back in 2015 at a strike rate of 175.08.

AB De Villiers

AB de Villiers Biography Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, also known as Mr 360, what can be said about him? AB de Villiers has grown to become one of the world&#8217;s best batsmen. When in form, de Villiers is deadly with a capital D. The South African possesses the knack of tearing into any bowling attack. AB de Villiers has the capability of giving bowlers nightmares for days on end. At a young age, every selector had their eyes trained on him alone. He was soon rewarded with a berth among the Proteas at the age of 20 in 2004. In his Test debut at home against England, he almost single-handedly rescued South Africa from the jaws of defeat. In the same series, he smashed his maiden Test century. With that, the legend of AB de Villiers was born. However, a year later, like most players, a slump in his form plagued him. But he combatted that with an astounding 217 against India. In the process AB de Villiers set a record as the first South African to smash a double ton against India. Ab de Villiers possesses a mainstream attacking game, he complements that with a back-and-across trigger movement and a late-block in his defensive arsenal. Aside from that, he tends to play in accordance with the situation and conditions as well. However, he is not invincible, if an elbow surgery in 2016 is any proof. As a result, he made an appearance in only one Test series all year. Following his recovery, AB de Villiers returned to the limited-overs formats, but avoided Test cricket to &#8216;lighten his workload&#8217;. IPL Career With regard to the IPL AB de Villiers is a fan favourite in any city. De Villiers has been in the IPL right from its inception in 2008. During that time, he was with the Delhi Daredevils. But he truly announced himself to the world when he joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011. He still delivered handsomely for Delhi, courtesy a 105 against the Chennai Super Kings. He was let go by Delhi in the wake of a poor 2010 season and RCB pounced immediately. They nabbed him for a whopping 1.1 million dollars and they were going to make Delhi regret their decision to drop him. Since then, AB de Villiers has proven his money&#8217;s worth for Bangalore. The big-hitting South African formed a dangerous triumvirate with skipper, Virat Kohli and Jamaican star, Chris Gayle. He ended up as the leading run-getter for RCB for three seasons. IPL 2019 Expectations Now, AB de Villiers has stuck around with the Royal Challengers for yet another season. The team are desperate for a maiden IPL triumph inspite of boasting the strongest batting line-up ever. He has achieved a high score of an unbeaten 133* back in 2015 at a strike rate of 175.08.

AB De Villiers Archives

AB De Villiers Archives - EssentiallySports

Ben Stokes Biography

England player Ben Stokes made his official England debut in 2011 for the ODI and T20 teams. Then, two years later, he made his Test debut.

Although he is an excellent player, he has been the subject of controversy. In 2017, he was involved in a bar brawl and was then taken to court. As a result, Stokes' name was withdrawn from the provisional Ashes squad against Australia.

He was embroiled in a few other controversies in his career.

IPL Career

Admittedly, Ben Stokes' IPL career is not as long and pronounced as most of the other players. His debut only came in 2017 with the now defunct Rising Pune Supergiant. Ben Stokes batting record consists of a maiden century against fellow debutant team, Gujarat Lions.

He also won the Man of the Match award three times in 14 games. Unfortunately, Ben Stokes' IPL stint was cut short as he had to leave for national duty. However, within that short stint, Ben Stokes' batting has been fairly decent.

In 2018, he was roped in by the Rajasthan Royals for an astounding Rs 12.5 crores. This made him the most expensive foreign player in IPL. Prior to that, he was bought by Rising Pune Supergiant for Rs 14.5 crores. He made it worth Pune's while by smashing a high score of 103* and he boasts of a strike rate of 138.42.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-152472" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Ben-Stokes-CSK-vs-RR-IPL-2019.jpg" alt="Ben Stokes" width="2000" height="1333" />

In the bowling department, Stokes has notched up a total on 24 wickets in three years. Half of those scalps came during the 2017 season with the Rising Pune Supergiant

Expectations for IPL 2019

This year, Ben Stokes' IPL 2019 career resumes with the Rajasthan Royals. He will be hoping to have a good campaign this season. The Royals are a fairly strong team and when Stokes is on form, he can be devastating.

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes Biography England player Ben Stokes made his official England debut in 2011 for the ODI and T20 teams. Then, two years later, he made his Test debut. Although he is an excellent player, he has been the subject of controversy. In 2017, he was involved in a bar brawl and was then taken to court. As a result, Stokes&#8217; name was withdrawn from the provisional Ashes squad against Australia. He was embroiled in a few other controversies in his career. IPL Career Admittedly, Ben Stokes&#8217; IPL career is not as long and pronounced as most of the other players. His debut only came in 2017 with the now defunct Rising Pune Supergiant. Ben Stokes batting record consists of a maiden century against fellow debutant team, Gujarat Lions. He also won the Man of the Match award three times in 14 games. Unfortunately, Ben Stokes&#8217; IPL stint was cut short as he had to leave for national duty. However, within that short stint, Ben Stokes&#8217; batting has been fairly decent. In 2018, he was roped in by the Rajasthan Royals for an astounding Rs 12.5 crores. This made him the most expensive foreign player in IPL. Prior to that, he was bought by Rising Pune Supergiant for Rs 14.5 crores. He made it worth Pune&#8217;s while by smashing a high score of 103* and he boasts of a strike rate of 138.42. In the bowling department, Stokes has notched up a total on 24 wickets in three years. Half of those scalps came during the 2017 season with the Rising Pune Supergiant Expectations for IPL 2019 This year, Ben Stokes&#8217; IPL 2019 career resumes with the Rajasthan Royals. He will be hoping to have a good campaign this season. The Royals are a fairly strong team and when Stokes is on form, he can be devastating.

Ben Stokes Archives

Ben Stokes Archives - EssentiallySports

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle Archives

Chris Gayle Archives - EssentiallySports

Daniel Vettori

Daniel Vettori Archives

Daniel Vettori Archives - EssentiallySports

Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga Archives

Lasith Malinga Archives - EssentiallySports

Profile

Mahendra Singh Dhoni represents the old guard in Indian cricket. He made his debut in the national side back in 2004 for the ODI team. A year later, MS Dhoni made his maiden Test appearance and finally, in 2006, he kicked off his T20 career.

The 37-year old has been a stalwart in the Indian team and he has brought a lot of success to the team. Back in 2014, he announced his retirement from Test cricket, but has continued to play in limited overs.

IPL Career

MS Dhoni is one of the few players who has stuck around the IPL since its inception. He joined the Chennai Super Kings for a fee of $1.5 million, making him the most expensive player at the time.

Since then, he has remained with the side until IPL 2015. In 2016 and 2017, he joined Rising Pune Supergiant after CSK were banned. But now, he is back in the yellow jersey and once again performing well.

During his tenure with CSK, MS Dhoni has lead the team to three IPL championships, including back-to-back wins. In essence, they are the first team to ever defend their title.

Even with Rising Pune Supergiant, Dhoni's troops were not to be trifled with and they were a force to be reckoned with. In fact, in 2017, Pune even reached the final, losing to eventual champions, Mumbai.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-151864" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/c648cea2-33e4-11e8-9916-7e63ef9446cf.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="960" height="538" />

Expectations for IPL 2019

With regard to IPL 2019, the Chennai Super Kings are on the hunt for their second back-to-back title win. If they do win, it will be their 4th ever and they will break the deadlock with the Mumbai Indians.

However, the competition will be tougher than ever. All the teams will be eager to put a stop to the CSK juggernaut. MS Dhoni is a capable leader and is no stranger to the winning mentality.

One thing that CSK is known for is, valuing experience over youth and they have opted for that same strategy in IPL 2019.

MS Dhoni

Profile Mahendra Singh Dhoni represents the old guard in Indian cricket. He made his debut in the national side back in 2004 for the ODI team. A year later, MS Dhoni made his maiden Test appearance and finally, in 2006, he kicked off his T20 career. The 37-year old has been a stalwart in the Indian team and he has brought a lot of success to the team. Back in 2014, he announced his retirement from Test cricket, but has continued to play in limited overs. IPL Career MS Dhoni is one of the few players who has stuck around the IPL since its inception. He joined the Chennai Super Kings for a fee of $1.5 million, making him the most expensive player at the time. Since then, he has remained with the side until IPL 2015. In 2016 and 2017, he joined Rising Pune Supergiant after CSK were banned. But now, he is back in the yellow jersey and once again performing well. During his tenure with CSK, MS Dhoni has lead the team to three IPL championships, including back-to-back wins. In essence, they are the first team to ever defend their title. Even with Rising Pune Supergiant, Dhoni&#8217;s troops were not to be trifled with and they were a force to be reckoned with. In fact, in 2017, Pune even reached the final, losing to eventual champions, Mumbai. Expectations for IPL 2019 With regard to IPL 2019, the Chennai Super Kings are on the hunt for their second back-to-back title win. If they do win, it will be their 4th ever and they will break the deadlock with the Mumbai Indians. However, the competition will be tougher than ever. All the teams will be eager to put a stop to the CSK juggernaut. MS Dhoni is a capable leader and is no stranger to the winning mentality. One thing that CSK is known for is, valuing experience over youth and they have opted for that same strategy in IPL 2019.

MS Dhoni Archives

MS Dhoni Archives - EssentiallySports

Rohit Sharma Biography

Rohit Sharma is currently the vice captain of the Indian cricket team. He plays for the Indian team and prior to joining the senior team, he was in India A, India Green,India Under-19s, Mumbai, Mumbai Cricket Association President's XI and the Mumbai Under-19s.

A prolific run-getter, the Hitman, as he is popularly known, is one of the most naturally gifted batsmen in the world.

IPL Career

In terms of IPL experience, he kicked off his career with the Deccan Chargers. From there, he moved to the Mumbai Indians and has remained there ever since. Rohit Sharma gradually worked his way up the ranks. As of now, he is captaining the Mumbai Indians franchise.

The Mumbai Indians have had three IPL triumphs and Sharma has led the side to all three of these triumphs.

Expectations for IPL 2019

Rohit Sharma boasts of a strike rate of 131.01 and a highest score of 109* in 2012. So far, he has amassed 4600 runs in the IPL and is well on his way to 5000.

All eyes will be on him as he leads Mumbai Indians to a potential 4th title. Sharma is said to play the most important role in MI’s road to glory.

In the shorter format, his striking abilities are unparalleled. During his Deccan Chargers stint, Rohit Sharma was one of the most consistent batsmen in the first three IPL seasons. He also played a role in guided the now defunct to to their one and only win in 2009.

From 2011 onwards, he has been instrumental for the Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma took over the team’s captaincy a couple of games into the 2013 season and led MI to their maiden IPL title.

The Mumbai Indians had an up and down season in 2018, but will be looking forward to a storming start in their quest to seal a spot in the playoffs. When they do, Rohit Sharma will be right there to see them through.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma Biography Rohit Sharma is currently the vice captain of the Indian cricket team. He plays for the Indian team and prior to joining the senior team, he was in India A, India Green,India Under-19s, Mumbai, Mumbai Cricket Association President&#8217;s XI and the Mumbai Under-19s. A prolific run-getter, the Hitman, as he is popularly known, is one of the most naturally gifted batsmen in the world. IPL Career In terms of IPL experience, he kicked off his career with the Deccan Chargers. From there, he moved to the Mumbai Indians and has remained there ever since. Rohit Sharma gradually worked his way up the ranks. As of now, he is captaining the Mumbai Indians franchise. The Mumbai Indians have had three IPL triumphs and Sharma has led the side to all three of these triumphs. Expectations for IPL 2019 Rohit Sharma boasts of a strike rate of 131.01 and a highest score of 109* in 2012. So far, he has amassed 4600 runs in the IPL and is well on his way to 5000. All eyes will be on him as he leads Mumbai Indians to a potential 4th title. Sharma is said to play the most important role in MI’s road to glory. In the shorter format, his striking abilities are unparalleled. During his Deccan Chargers stint, Rohit Sharma was one of the most consistent batsmen in the first three IPL seasons. He also played a role in guided the now defunct to to their one and only win in 2009. From 2011 onwards, he has been instrumental for the Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma took over the team’s captaincy a couple of games into the 2013 season and led MI to their maiden IPL title. The Mumbai Indians had an up and down season in 2018, but will be looking forward to a storming start in their quest to seal a spot in the playoffs. When they do, Rohit Sharma will be right there to see them through.

Rohit Sharma Archives

Rohit Sharma Archives - EssentiallySports

Steve Smith Biography

Steve Smith is currently on a redemption arc. He returns to the fray after serving a 1 year ban for his involvement in a ball-tampering saga. Both he and Australia vice captain, David Warner were handed a ban as they were aware of bowler, Cameron Bancroft's activities.

Steve Smith made his Test, ODI and T20 debut back in 2010, nearly a decade ago. Since then, he has risen in the ranks and eventually became captain of the Australian national team. Steve Smith's ranking according to the ICC is number 4 in Test cricket.

IPL Career

Steve Smith's IPL career kicked off with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2010. He was drafted into the side, in place of Kiwi, Jesse Ryder.

A year later, Steve Smith was picked up by the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, but had to sit out due to injury. But then, the Kochi team folded and he was left in the void once again.

Steve Smith went unsold in 2012 but was picked up by Pune Warriors India as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-152343" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/stevesmith250319.jpg" alt="Steve Smith" width="769" height="432" />

Then, Steve Smith's IPL career took a turn for the better when the Rajasthan Royals bought him in 2014. Since then, he has remained with the side, except for when the team got banned for their role in a corruption scandal.

During that time, he joined Rising Pune Supergiant for 2 years. After Rajasthan's return, he was roped back in once again.

Expectations for IPL 2019

The Rajasthan Royals are an excellent team and they have a truly well-balanced side. With the return of Steve Smith, their team's arsenal will surely be shored up.

Steve Smith is primarily a right-handed batsman. His technique has attracted plenty of attention owing to its unorthodoxy. He tends to move around in the crease, especially during bowlers' run-up. Smith later ends up with the toes of his feet outside off stump against right-handers

steve smith

Steve Smith Biography Steve Smith is currently on a redemption arc. He returns to the fray after serving a 1 year ban for his involvement in a ball-tampering saga. Both he and Australia vice captain, David Warner were handed a ban as they were aware of bowler, Cameron Bancroft&#8217;s activities. Steve Smith made his Test, ODI and T20 debut back in 2010, nearly a decade ago. Since then, he has risen in the ranks and eventually became captain of the Australian national team. Steve Smith&#8217;s ranking according to the ICC is number 4 in Test cricket. IPL Career Steve Smith&#8217;s IPL career kicked off with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2010. He was drafted into the side, in place of Kiwi, Jesse Ryder. A year later, Steve Smith was picked up by the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, but had to sit out due to injury. But then, the Kochi team folded and he was left in the void once again. Steve Smith went unsold in 2012 but was picked up by Pune Warriors India as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh. Then, Steve Smith&#8217;s IPL career took a turn for the better when the Rajasthan Royals bought him in 2014. Since then, he has remained with the side, except for when the team got banned for their role in a corruption scandal. During that time, he joined Rising Pune Supergiant for 2 years. After Rajasthan&#8217;s return, he was roped back in once again. Expectations for IPL 2019 The Rajasthan Royals are an excellent team and they have a truly well-balanced side. With the return of Steve Smith, their team&#8217;s arsenal will surely be shored up. Steve Smith is primarily a right-handed batsman. His technique has attracted plenty of attention owing to its unorthodoxy. He tends to move around in the crease, especially during bowlers&#8217; run-up. Smith later ends up with the toes of his feet outside off stump against right-handers

steve smith Archives

steve smith Archives - EssentiallySports

Profile

Virat Kohli has had an impressive career since making his debut in the Indian team in 2008. He first broke into the national side in ODIs, soon followed by a 2010 debut in T20s and a Test debut in 2011.

Since then, his rise has been meteoric and he eventually took the mantle of India captain from MS Dhoni. ODI captaincy was up first in 2013, followed by Test captaincy when MS Dhoni announced his retirement in 2014. Finally, Virat Kohli was appointed T20 skipper in 2017.

IPL Career

Virat Kohli made his IPL debut back in 2008 itself for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Since then, he has remained in the team all these years.

After an average debut season, his form picked up in subsequent years. For two straight seasons, he was in the top 3 of highest run-scorers in IPL.

In 2011, he was promoted to vice captain and even took over as skipper when regular, Daniel Vettori was injured. When the latter retired in 2013, Kohli took the mantle of RCB captain, and has led the side ever since.

Now, for IPL 2019, Virat Kohli heads into the new season as the captain once again.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-151142" src="http://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/kohli-ap-m1.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="759" height="422" />

Expectations for IPL 2019

With regard to expectations, there is a lot of pressure on the team. For years, they have always been so close and yet so far. On paper, RCB have had the strongest batting line-up of all other teams, yet, they have failed to deliver time and again.

Between 2011 and 2017, RCB boasted of the deadliest batting line-up. To be precise, joining Virat Kohli was South Africa's AB de Villiers and West Indian giant, Chris Gayle.

Inspite of this, and Gayle smashing a few centuries here and there, RCB almost always bottled the job.

So, will the 2019 season be any different? Can captain Virat Kohli inspire his men to rally forth into victory? Or will Virat Kohli and the RCB squad succumb to defeat yet again, as was the case all these years?

Virat Kohli

Profile Virat Kohli has had an impressive career since making his debut in the Indian team in 2008. He first broke into the national side in ODIs, soon followed by a 2010 debut in T20s and a Test debut in 2011. Since then, his rise has been meteoric and he eventually took the mantle of India captain from MS Dhoni. ODI captaincy was up first in 2013, followed by Test captaincy when MS Dhoni announced his retirement in 2014. Finally, Virat Kohli was appointed T20 skipper in 2017. IPL Career Virat Kohli made his IPL debut back in 2008 itself for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Since then, he has remained in the team all these years. After an average debut season, his form picked up in subsequent years. For two straight seasons, he was in the top 3 of highest run-scorers in IPL. In 2011, he was promoted to vice captain and even took over as skipper when regular, Daniel Vettori was injured. When the latter retired in 2013, Kohli took the mantle of RCB captain, and has led the side ever since. Now, for IPL 2019, Virat Kohli heads into the new season as the captain once again. Expectations for IPL 2019 With regard to expectations, there is a lot of pressure on the team. For years, they have always been so close and yet so far. On paper, RCB have had the strongest batting line-up of all other teams, yet, they have failed to deliver time and again. Between 2011 and 2017, RCB boasted of the deadliest batting line-up. To be precise, joining Virat Kohli was South Africa&#8217;s AB de Villiers and West Indian giant, Chris Gayle. Inspite of this, and Gayle smashing a few centuries here and there, RCB almost always bottled the job. So, will the 2019 season be any different? Can captain Virat Kohli inspire his men to rally forth into victory? Or will Virat Kohli and the RCB squad succumb to defeat yet again, as was the case all these years?

MS Dhoni Named Captain of Robin Uthappa’s ODI Team of the Decade

Five Indian players in Robin Uthappa’s ODI XI of the Decade

Robin Uthappa’s ODI XI of the Decade