All time Dream ODI team

At a time when the existence of ODI format is in serious question, lets give it due respect. So as a continuation to the all time dream test team, here is my all time dream ODI team:

Sachin Tendulkar – Need I say more?

Adam Gilchrist – It’s a pity that Greenidge, Haynes or Jayasuriya miss out but that’s what Gily has done to the game!

Viv Richards – As great as he is in Test Cricket, he is even greater in ODI cricket!

Brian Lara – I know his ODI record in the second half of his career was not as illuminating as the first half, but really how can I not pick Brian? The only person whom I would drop Brian for in any team is Sachin and he’s already there…

Aravinda De Silva – Was a toss up between Miandad and De Silva but went with De silva for no real reason actually! Most underrated of the modern greats probably rightfully too for the number of times he used to throw his wicket away in the early part of his career. But he more than made up for it in the second half of his career.

Dean Jones: The quintessential ODI middle order batsman who can either pierce or clear the field comfortably even in the middle overs. Infact he was an ODI batsman far ahead of his times during his playing days…

Lance Klusenser: To say that there has not been a greater finisher in ODI cricket is not an exaggeration at all and to say that there will never be another finisher like him is not blasphemous either!

Wasim Akram: Over the wicket or around the wicket, new ball or old ball, opening the bowling or bowling at the death – Akram will always be my first choice fast bowler…

Shane Warne: It had to be Warne – I have not seen a greater spinner in ODI cricket. Murali was not even in contention since he is unfathomably defensive for such a great bowler in ODI cricket.

Michael Holding: The wisden in its introduction to Holding says “No-one in the game has bowled faster” and let me comfortably add that no-one in the game has bowled better either…

Shane Bond: If one bowler could single handedly decimate one of the greatest teams of all time consistently, then he ought to be picked ahead of even Joel Garner……

12 the man: Joel Garner. Would rely on Klusener, Richards and Sachin to manage the 5th bowler’s quota between them on most occasions, but if I need to go in with 5 bowlers then would swap De Silva or Deano with Garner.