Aakash Chopra shockingly snubs Karun Nair as he names his Indian XI for first test against England
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has named his Indian XI for the first test against England. The two teams will be locking horns with each other in the five-match Test series, starting on 20th June, and it will also be part of the ICC World Test Championship.
Aakash Chopra caught the attention of many as he dropped Karun Nair from his predicted playing XI for the first test against England. The right-hander made a comeback into the team following his domestic performances and has also been putting in the hard yards in the ongoing unofficial test series against England Lions.
For the opening spot, Aakash Chopra picked Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. The duo opened the innings for India in the test series against Australia. They will be holding key for the team in the five-match Test series against England as well.
Chopra backed young Sai Sudharsan to bat at three. He will be making his debut and was included in the team based on his impressive performances in the domestic circuit. He also believes that skipper Shubman Gill will be batting at four in the series.
According to Aakash Chopra, Rishabh Pant will be batting at five and India will be picking three all-rounders in the side. He backed Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur to play as it will strengthen the team's batting lineup as well.
In the pace department, Chopra picked Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. He left out Arshdeep Singh, who has been included in the team for the first time.
Aakash Chopra’s India XI for the 1st Test against England
Here's Aakash Chopra’s India XI for the 1st Test against England
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna