New Delhi, June 29: A day after former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara picked his all-time XI which had no place India's cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, the former has revealed the reason for his decision.

The 38-year-old Sangakkara announced his all-time XI, with Aravinda de Silva as captain, via a video posted on the official Twitter handle of Lord's Cricket Ground, on June 28.

Sangakkara's XI had lone Indian in Rahul Dravid. While Sachin Tendulkar, India's batting legend and highest run scorer in both Tests and One Day Internationals, could not find a place in Sangakkara's XI. However, 2 other batting greats Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting made the cut.

In the video, Sangakkara said, "Matthew Hayden (is) at the top of the order facing the first ball. To complement him I have got Rahul Dravid."

After Indian fans questioned why he omitted the 'God of Cricket' in his dream team, the left-hander said it was hard not just to omit Sachin but also former India opener Virender Sehwag.

Sangakkara further added that India's Test skipper Virat Kohli too might surpass all batting greats in the future. Hence, it wasn't possible for him to fit in all three of them.

Whatever may be his justification, fans are still not ready to buy Sangakkara's argument of leaving, Sachin, the man who owns huge list of batting records under his belt.

OneIndia News