For the first T20I against Sri Lanka at Lucknow, Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has named his ideal Indian XI. While Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Chahar, and Shardul Thakur will be absent from the Indian squad for this series, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah have made a comeback.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan, according to Aakash, should be the openers.
“I would propose to open with Ishan Kishan alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad. You are thinking why not Sanju Samson? I am thinking if you have started playing Ishan Kishan, let’s end that story, it could be a beautiful ending as well.”, said Aakash on his Youtube Channel.
Aakash interestingly slotted skipper Rohit Sharma at one-down, followed by Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Hooda. He said that he’s not in favour of playing Sanju Samson at 5 since it’s not his usual batting position. At 6, Aakash kept in-form all-rounder Venkatesh iyer.
“Rohit can bat at No. 3. Ruturaj Gaikwad, you give him three opportunities as well. At No. 4, I am saying Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Hooda at No. 5 and not Sanju Samson. It is for the simple reason that why will you play Sanju Samson at No. 5, he is a top-order batter. At No. 6, I will keep Venkatesh Iyer.”, said Aakash.
Toss-up between Chahal and Bishnoi- Aakash Chopra
Talking about the spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal were Aakash’s picks. In the pace department, he selected Harshal Patel along with two experienced bowlers- Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
“After that, I have picked Ravindra Jadeja at No. 7. Welcome Jadeja with applause because we will see him play after a long time. Then Harshal Patel, I will 100% pick Harshal Patel, now Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur are also not there.”
“After that, I am saying Yuzi Chahal. There is actually a toss-up between Chahal and Bishnoi but I will go with Chahal. Bumrah and Bhuvi – I will play both of them. Siraj and Avesh will have to wait.”, Aakash concluded.
Aakash Chopra’s India XI for the First T20I vs Sri Lanka:Â Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
