Cricket in 2018: Test, ODI & T20I Combined Best XI of the year

This year we saw a lot of cricketing action across the globe. Thus far, in 2018, we have witnessed as many as 508 international matches taking place all over the world. A total of 18 nations along with ICC World XI played their share of games in the calendar year. Amongst all the teams, the Indian team happened to play the most number of matches (52).

With over 500 games taking place this year, we were never short of entertainment. In the process, we also testified plenty of colossal performances across all the departments – batting, bowling, and fielding. Be it Kohli becoming the fastest batsman to cross the five-figure mark or India winning a high tension Nidahas Trophy final the year 2018 had all the ingredients to make it an exciting compilation of twelve months with some eye-catching moments.

Thus, pending all the quality performances from the year 2018, we try and churn out a competitive XI combined for Test, ODI & T20I formats that would be a tough nut to crack for any team.

1. Rohit Sharma (India)

Rohit Sharma is by far one of the best openers international cricket in the current era. With impeccable shot making a feature of his batting, Sharma is a treat to watch. His three double centuries in ODI cricket are a testimony to his batting prowess. He owns remarkable records in international cricket. And, the year 2018, was no different as once again he testified his prowess in international cricket.

Thus far, the Mumbaikar has played 19 ODIs, 19 T20Is, and 3 Tests in this calendar year. From 41 matches in total, Sharma has amassed 1736 runs at an astonishing average of 48.22 across all the formats. These stats also included seven daddy hundreds and six gritty fifties.

In addition to that, he also accounts for 74 sixes in this year across all the formats. That is also the most number of sixes in 2018 in international cricket. Moreover, with 1030 runs at a staggering average of 73.57, Rohit happens to be the second highest run-grosser in ODIs for the year 2018. Thus, with stupendous numbers by his side, he demands a place for himself in this XI as an opener.