AB de Villiers picks his all-time World XI featuring former Pakistan pacer

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has revealed his all-time World XI, naming Pakistan’s swing bowler Mohammad Asif among the legends of the game.

The 41-year-old made the selection while speaking during the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, where he is leading the South Africa Champions side.

De Villiers praised Asif’s exceptional skill with the ball, highlighting his rare ability to swing the ball both ways with great control. He chose Asif to share the new ball with Australia’s Mitchell Johnson, preferring him over many other legendary fast bowlers.

At the top of the order, de Villiers selected Graeme Smith and Matthew Hayden as openers. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting was picked at number three.

The middle order featured modern-day greats Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson—three of the most consistent batters in recent years. India’s MS Dhoni was named as the wicketkeeper and batsman at number seven.

To complete the bowling attack, de Villiers went with the iconic spin duo of Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan.

Interestingly, his XI did not include a genuine all-rounder and had only four specialist bowlers. He named Australian legend Glenn McGrath as the 12th man. No player from England or the West Indies made the final cut in his XI.

AB de Villiers’ all-time World XI:

Graeme Smith, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, MS Dhoni (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Mohammad Asif, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne.

12th man: Glenn McGrath