Not Sachin Tendulkar! Stuart Broad Picks This Legend As Only Indian In His Ultimate Test XI

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Last Updated:June 18, 2026, 20:04 IST

Stuart Broad names his ultimate Test XI of opponents for Wisden, picking Virat Kohli over Sachin Tendulkar in a star studded side featuring Smith, Kallis, Steyn and Muralitharan

Former England great Stuart Broad has picked his ultimate Test XI of cricketers he’s played against in his career. The right-arm quick, who retired with 604 wickets in the longest format, was asked by Wisden to assemble the strongest XI from opponents he personally competed against. Interestingly, Broad picked up Virat Kohli over Sachin Tendulkar in the XI stacked with champions across generations

At the top of the order, Broad opted for South African stalwart Graeme Smith, pairing him with Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, who doubles up as wicketkeeper. Australian great Ricky Ponting was slotted in at No. 3, while Virat Kohli was the only Indian included. Notably, master blaster Sachin Tendulkar was a notable omission in Broad’s all-time Test XI.

The middle order, Broad admitted, gave him plenty to think about before he finally settled on Steven Smith and Jacques Kallis at five and six. Kallis stands out as the lone genuine all-rounder in the XI. AB de Villiers was placed at No. 7, bringing both explosiveness with the bat and additional keeping cover.

Broad showed no hesitation when choosing his bowling attack. The pace unit is led by fearsome left-armer Mitchell Johnson alongside South Africa’s spearhead Dale Steyn. Another Australian quick, Mitchell Starc, completes the fast-bowling trio, while Sri Lankan icon Muttiah Muralitharan — the highest wicket-taker in Test history — was selected as the side’s sole spinner.

The XI reflects Broad’s firsthand experiences against elite opponents and offers a fascinating snapshot of the players who left the biggest impression on one of England’s finest bowlers.

Stuart Broad’s Test XI: Graeme Smith, Kumar Sangakkara (WK), Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, Steven Smith, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Mitchell Johnson, Dale Steyn, Muttiah Muralitharan, Mitchell Starc.

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About the Author

Aakash Biswas

A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I...Read More

First Published:

June 18, 2026, 20:04 IST

News cricket Not Sachin Tendulkar! Stuart Broad Picks This Legend As Only Indian In His Ultimate Test XI

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