Hashim Amla names his three greatest batters for all-time World XI

Former South African captain Hashim Amla has revealed his top three batting icons for an all-time World XI, naming legends from India, South Africa, and the West Indies.

Amla, who is currently in England representing South Africa Champions in the ongoing World Championship of Legends, shared his choices during a recent interview.

Reflecting on the players who inspired him in his younger days, Amla named Brian Lara, Steve Waugh, and Jacques Kallis as his childhood favourites.

“There are so many over the years. Growing up, my three favourite players were Brian Lara, Steve Waugh, and Jacques Kallis—also being from South Africa,” Amla said.

When asked to pick his modern-day greats for a World XI, the elegant right-hander went with India’s Virat Kohli, fellow South African AB de Villiers, and West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards.

“Maybe three other names: you've got Virat (Kohli) in recent times, AB de Villiers, and I’d say one more old one—Sir Vivian Richards,” he added.

Hashim Amla is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters South Africa has ever produced. Between 2004 and 2019, he played 124 Tests, 181 ODIs, and 44 T20Is, scoring over 18,000 international runs.

His Test career includes 28 centuries, with a best score of 311 not out against England—the second highest individual Test score by a South African.

In ODIs, Amla scored 8,113 runs at an average of 49.46, including a record 27 centuries—the most by any South African in the format. He also scored 1,277 runs in T20Is at an average of 33.60.

Amla retired from international cricket after the 2019 World Cup, with his last appearance coming against Sri Lanka on June 28, 2019.