Updated: The all-time T20I world XI, according to the ICC rankings

Last year, Wisden.com took a look at what the all-time T20I world XI would look like, if picked based on the ICC rankings.

To do that, some rules had to apply, to ensure the team was somewhat balanced. We picked the top four batters in the all-time ICC batting rankings – if you were wondering, Kevin Pietersen is fifth -, the top batter who was also a keeper, the top all-rounder, and then made sure that we had at least three quicks and at least two spinners, along with the all-rounder.

The XI we ended up with is available to read here.

But the issue with all-time XIs is that time keeps on going, and, especially in a new format, players make cases to earn a place in a theoretical best-ever side. With the ICC rankings updated regularly, one player has since managed to break into our side based on the criteria above, relegating Sunil Narine – in some eyes, the greatest spinner in T20 history – to the bench.

South Africa’s Tabraiz Shamsi, with a peak T20I bowling rating of 821 points, achieved last July, has edged four points clear of Narine. The left-arm wrist-spinner has been stellar for the Proteas since his debut in 2017 – he has taken 61 wickets, at a rate of well over one per game – and has maintained an economy rate of just above seven runs per over. With him in the side, South Africa are sure to be a contender for this year’s T20 World Cup, set to be held in Australia.

Shamsi will take his place alongside Daniel Vettori and Samuel Badree in this all-time XI’s spin attack. His inclusion means that six teams are now represented in the XI.