Ravichandran Ashwin Names Best XI of IPL 2026, Excluding Virat Kohli as Opener
Ravichandran Ashwin's Best Playing 12 Of IPL 2026 Does Not Have Virat Kohli As Opener

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In the aftermath of IPL 2026, Ravichandran Ashwin revealed his best playing XI, notably placing Virat Kohli at No. 3 instead of as an opener. The team highlights standout performances, including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Orange Cap win and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 28 wickets.
- 01Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from Rajasthan Royals was named the top opener by Ashwin.
- 02Virat Kohli scored 675 runs at an average of 56.25 but was placed at No. 3 in Ashwin's XI.
- 03Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the bowling charts with 28 wickets during the tournament.
- 04Heinrich Klaasen and Rajat Patidar were also key players in Ashwin's best XI.
- 05Ashwin credited five individuals, including Kohli and RCB's support staff, for their contributions to the team's success.
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Following the conclusion of IPL 2026, Ravichandran Ashwin shared his best playing XI on his YouTube channel, making headlines by placing Virat Kohli in the No. 3 position instead of the opener's slot. Kohli, who played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory over Gujarat Titans in the final, scored a total of 675 runs at an impressive average of 56.25. Ashwin's top picks for the opener position were Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who clinched the Orange Cap, and Shubman Gill. Other notable selections included Heinrich Klaasen at No. 4 and RCB captain Rajat Patidar at No. 5, with Patidar achieving a remarkable strike rate of 192.69. In the bowling department, Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar Kumar for his outstanding 28 wickets alongside overseas stars Jamie Overton, Sunil Narine, and Kagiso Rabada. Ashwin also recognized the contributions of RCB's support staff and players, suggesting that the team could pursue a potential three-peat in future tournaments.
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