2020 saw very limited cricketing actions due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic across the world. But the cricket lovers were privileged to witness some of the finest shows in those limited outings. Recently, former all-rounder, Irfan Pathan sat down to pick his T20I XI of 2020 during an exclusive chat with CricTracker.

The former India cricketer went with ace India opener KL Rahul and England’s T20 specialist Jos Buttler to open the innings for his side. Rahul, in particular, had an outstanding time in the shortest format in the blue jersey leading the pack from the front. Buttler’s cameo at the top also came in handy for England ever since cricket returned after a long haul of four months due to the COVID-19 scare.

Irfan Pathan picks Kane Williamson at No.5

Irfan Pathan went with India’s skipper and talismanic run-scorer Virat Kohli at No.3 followed by highly-rated Pakistan skipper Babar Azam at No.4. He dominated the ICC T20I Rankings for batsmen throughout the year before England’s Dawid Malan took over the spot at the end of the year.

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Pathan went with New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson at No.5. While many argue about Williamson batting at 5 in T20Is but the Kiwi skipper is one of the best suited in this role. A perfect blend of attack of defence, Williamson has the happy knack of dictating the bowlers and dominate the game playing the bowlers at will.

England’s Ben Stokes and West Indies’ Kieron Pollard are the two all-rounders in Irfan Pathan’s T20I XI of 2020. Stokes is arguably the best all-rounder in the planet currently and Pollard has grown in stature ever since he was handed the T20I captaincy. Ability to contribute in all the three departments, these two have been the backbones of any side they have represented.

Starting the bowling section, Lungi Ngidi of South Africa became Irfan’s first choice. He added that he wanted to go with Yuzvendra Chahal at no 9-position, but Adam Zampa has better figures to make the cut. Jasprit Bumrah has the pedigree to walk into any playing XI across the globe and rightly he made it to Irfan Pathan T20I XI of 2020 which also saw Lockie Ferguson – the Kiwi express seal the No.11 spot.

Irfan Pathan’s T20I XI of 2020:

KL Rahul, Jos Buttler, Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, Ben Stokes, Kieron Pollard, Lungi Ngidi, Adam Zampa, Jasprit Bumrah, Lockie Ferguson