United India FC: An All-time XI from Indian Cricket as a football team!

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For a fan who has one leg on a football pitch and the other on a cricket field, the fantasy of selecting the best XI cricketers for a dream United India FC was a joyous yet tedious task. Scanning the records, reading the profiles and changing the formation were amongst the few laborious works. Factors like skill-sets, temperament, attitude, statistics and overall personality were key factors for the final selection. Without any further ado, let’s unravel the playing XI of the dream team of United India FC.

GK: MS Dhoni

No other contender had a better CV to meet the credentials of the Goalkeeper spot than the WC winning captain MS Dhoni. The ‘Casillas’ of the team – MS Dhoni can virtually control the pace, devise strategies and manipulate formations from the back end of the field. Street-smart, athletic and with cool composure, this man from Ranchi is the undisputed choice for the goalkeeper position, and ofcourse, for a captain’s arm-band.

Defenders:

CB: Rahul Dravid

Troy had a huge wall that protected it from foreign invasions. In the form of Rahul Dravid, United India FC can have its own version. Strong, good against the swinging ball and technically perfect, Dravid at the heart of defence would be any manager’s delight. Home games or away, Mr. Dependable can construct an unbreachable wall for opponents to conquer.

CB: Anil Kumble

Forging a great defensive partnership with Dravid at the CB position is his Karnataka teammate – Anil Kumble. Extremely frugal and a player who rarely gives away loose balls, Kumble’s resolute character can block any attack on a given day. With Dravid alongside, the duo can be the bedrock of United India’s defence.

LB: Yuvraj Singh

Quick on his feet with a vicious attacking skill-set, Yuvraj Singh at the left-back position can sprint across the flank and provide vital crosses into the business area from the touchline. Athletic with all-round skills for defence as well as attack, the southpaw has all the attributes to excel and create nightmares for the opposition defenders.

RB: Virat Kohli

Joining Yuvi on the opposite flank is India’s most promising talent – Virat Kohli. The ‘Rafael de Silva’ of the team, Kohli blends youthful aggression with class and maturity, making him a certainty for the RB position. His exuberance and blistering pace on the field can create multiple opportunities for counter attacks. Sharp on the field, he can assist strikers and attacking midfielders from the flanks. His aggressive nature would also be a useful addition while defending down the wings.

Midfielders

CDM – Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar’s disciplined and tenacious attitude makes him an obvious pick for CDM position. His gritty character coupled with tons of concentration power can make him a tough tackler. Short but sturdy, Gavaskar can block attacks, hold possession and initiate attacking moves by making penetrative passes in the opponent’s half.

CDM – Kapil Dev

Joining Sunny for the CDM spot is India’s greatest all-rounder, Kapil Dev, who boasts all the skills needed to thrive in that position. He can be a constant support to center-backs. He has the ability to quickly shift gears in the midfield and create opportunities upfront. Blessed with pace and aggression, he can dribble, tackle and pass the balls from the center of the pitch.

CAM – Sachin Tendulkar

Lurking behind the center-forward is India’s talisman Sachin Tendulkar – the trequartista of United India. Donning the number 10 jersey for the nation, the master can easily fit into the playmaker role and create chances for the striker up front. With breathtaking control, he can spearhead those stinging passes that create goals. With sheer class and technique, Sachin Tendulkar can be the linchpin of all attacking moves.

LAM: Sourav Ganguly

The attacking midfield gets another canine tooth with the inclusion of the Bengal Tiger – Sourav Ganguly in LAM position. His ability to exploit gaps, feather touches and God-gifted sense of timing can keep the defenders guessing. Sublime in his style, Ganguly can be incisive with his moves. The Xavi-Iniesta replica, his tiki-taka link-up plays with Tendulkar can be the trigger of United India’s attack upfront.

RAM: VVS Laxman

Capable of playing defensively or up the pitch by pressing the throttle, Laxman has all skills to thrive in the RAM position alongside the duo of Sachin and Saurav. He can be merciless with either foot and create spaces to launch attacks around the 18-yard box. He has the flair and footwork to work in tight areas with defenders around him. His ability to perform against top-class opponents makes him a big-match player for United India FC.

Strikers

CF: Sehwag

United India’s fox in the box is none other than the Nawab of Najafgarh – Virender Sehwag. Uncomplicated in approach, quick reflexes, razor sharp vision and killer instincts make him the star center-forward of the team. Known to be ruthless, his brutal assaults can shatter the best of the defences. A true match-winner.

Subs:

GK – Syed Kirmani
DF – Javagal Srinath & Zaheer Khan
MF – Dilip Vengsarkar & Ravi Shastri
FW – Vijay Hazare & Vinoo Mankad