ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Aakash Chopra Names India’s Playing XI For Sunday’s Clash Against Pakistan

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked his playing XI of India ahead of the high-voltage Super 12 clash of ICC T20 World Cup 2021 against Pakistan in Dubai. The Men in Blues are expected to face a lot of dilemmas as they sit to pick their playing XI for the much-anticipated clash.

Chopra said India have made it clear via their recent warm-up matches that Hardik Pandya will be a major part of India’s plan in this World Cup. Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said:

“The team has made it very clear that Hardik is a very important member and they’ll go with him even if he’s not bowling. It’s a big call but this is what it is because you can’t produce another all-rounder overnight. And let’s be honest, Shardul Thakur will not replace him.”

💬 💬 We are confident in terms of execution of our plans.

Captain @imVkohli on #TeamIndia's approach ahead of the #T20WorldCup opener against Pakistan. #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/BiMug1gfUh

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2021

The cricketer-turned-commentator stressed that he will go with spinner Varun Chakravarthy.

“You want to play Varun Chakravarthy but there are questions over his fitness. He’s a mystery spinner and the Pakistani’s haven’t played him yet. He could be that ace up your sleeve so I’ll play him,” he added. 

Aakash Chopra picks Shardul Thakur over Bhuvneshwar Kumar as his 3rd seamer

On the pace bowling front, Aakash Chopra said Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are sure starters. The former cricketer went with Shardul Thakur over Bhuvneshwar Kumar over the third pace option.

“Shami and Bumrah is a foregone conclusion. Another big question will be Shardul versus Bhuvi. If you go by pedigree and the ability to absorb pressure, you’ll go with Bhuvi but he isn’t in form. And Shardul has the wicket-taking ability and the wicket-taking luck, he’s the ‘Lord’ so it’s possible. I am picking the ‘Lord’,” Aakash Chopra concluded. 

Aakash Chopra’s Playing XI for India: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.