Former Indian cricketer and now a renowned commentator Aakash Chopra has picked his Indian playing XI for the first ODI against West Indies. The first ODI between India and the hosts will be played in Barbados where the visitors will step into the ground with a full-fledged team, unlike some previous limited series.
While picking his XI, Aakash Chopra has got Shubman Gill at the top along with the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. At number three, Virat Kohli will take his place. Aakash has placed the stylish batter Suryakumar Yadav at number four and for the wicket-keeper option he has picked Sanju Samson instead of Ishan Kishan.
While talking to his youtube channel, Aakash Chopra said,”In my opinion, India will start with Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Ishan Kishan’s name will come in your mind, but you won’t play him, at least at the top of the order. Rohit Sharma will expect to play a similar knock to the one he played in the second innings in Trinidad. Shubman Gill will slightly forget red-ball cricket.”
He further added,”“After that, Virat Kohli will come at No. 3. Can they give Ishan a place at four or five, that’s a big question. I am keeping Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson at No. 4 and No. 5.”
He has picked Hardik Pandya and says that if the all-rounder can bowl, there is no need for Shardul Thakur. His other picks are all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Kuldeep Yadav is the main pick for Aakash as frontline spinner. For the pace option he has kept Umran Malik and Mohammed Siraj in his team.
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“I want to try Umran Malik because he is not even there in the Asian Games squad. So the Indian team is also trying to get him into the World Cup as an X-factor bowler, and I am with them,” Chopra mentioned.
Aakash Chopra Playing XI for 1st ODI:
Rohit Sharma(C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson(WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik And Mohammed Siraj.
NOTE: Let us tell you that, Mohammed Siraj has been rested for the ODI series against West Indies
