Faf du Plessis makes bold all-time T20 opener pick; Virat Kohli ignored

During the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, veteran South African batter Faf du Plessis participated in a selection challenge to identify the premier opening batter in T20 history. Tasked with comparing a legendary list of names, Du Plessis went through a systematic ‘winner stays on’ process to find the ultimate candidate. His selections covered a wide range of eras, from the pioneers of the 2000s to the modern-day ‘pocket dynamos.’ Despite his own deep ties to several of the candidates, including long-standing teammates and rivals, he eventually settled on one individual whose record in the shortest format remains statistically unmatchable across global leagues.

The selection process: From Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli to the modern power-hitters

Du Plessis’s selection process was a masterclass in evaluating T20 archetypes, beginning with a snub of his countryman Aiden Markram in favour of Martin Guptill, before backing himself over names like Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul. The real drama began when Du Plessis conceded his spot to Travis Head, who was then replaced by the legendary Virender Sehwag due to the latter’s career-long consistency.

However, the Indian legends faced their own internal competition; Du Plessis prioritized Rohit Sharma over Sehwag and Quinton de Kock, only to see Jos Buttler momentarily take the lead. The climax of the Indian contingent saw Virat Kohli edge out Buttler, only for the RCB legend to be snubbed in favour of the fierce Shane Watson. The Australian battle culminated in David Warner overcoming Watson, as Du Plessis acknowledged the ‘pocket dynamite’s’ unrivaled heroics in global T20 leagues.

Faf du Plessis reveals greatest T20 opener ever

Despite the legendary status of Warner, Kohli, and Rohit, Du Plessis did not hesitate when the final card was revealed. He immediately crowned Chris Gayle as the greatest T20 opener of all time, noting that he had been waiting to pick this name from the very start. Gayle’s records, including over 14,000 T20 runs and the most centuries in the format, made him an undisputed choice that neutralized all previous selections. For Du Plessis, while players like Head and Warner represent the modern era’s ferocity, Gayle’s ability to dominate every league in the world for nearly two decades makes him the ultimate benchmark for any opening batter. The ‘Universe Boss’ remains the gold standard for power and impact at the top of the order.