Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked his ideal playing XI for the first test between India and Sri Lanka. The PCA IS Bindra Stadium will host the test, starting on Friday, March 4.
The Indian test squad has undergone several changes, as the senior pros, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, and Wriddhiman Saha have been dropped. Also, opener, KL Rahul has been ruled out due to an injury.
Jasprit Bumrah will be Rohit Sharma’s deputy in this series. Aakash Chopra has picked Mayank Agarwal to open alongside skipper Rohit Sharma, followed by Shreyas, Virat, and Hanuma.
“Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari – quite obvious, you will go with six batters in which one will be Rishabh Pant. I will go with Shreyas at No. 3 but the team might play Hanuma at No. 3. I want to play Shreyas at No. 3, Hanuma stays at No. 5, where he is,” said Aakash Chopra.
It will not be a rank turner in Mohali: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra feels that the wicket Mohali will not be a rank turner as it is wintertime. Hence, he prefers Ravindra Jadeja, as the all-rounder option along with another spinner in the playing XI.
Aakash states that if Ravichandran Ashwin is available, he will certainly play, or else India may go in with Jayant Yadav.
“At No. 7, I have got Ravindra Jadeja. If Ashwin is available, then Ashwin. If he is not available, then Jayant Yadav. I will go with two spinners only, whether Ashwin is available or not because it will not be a rank turner, it is winter time and the pitch will not crumble in Mohali,” said Aakash.
Aakash Chopra’s predicted playing XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Mayank Agarwal, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin/Jayant Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
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