IND vs AFG: Aakash Chopra Excludes Ravi Bishnoi As He Picks India's Playing XI For Afghanistan

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra selected India’s playing XI for the first T20I of the three-match series against Afghanistan. Aakash Chopra emphasized that spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Washington Sundar might not secure a place in India’s lineup for the series opener.

The Rohit Sharma-led team is set to face Afghanistan at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday, January 11. Notably, the upcoming series presents an opportunity for India to finalize their combination for the T20 World Cup 2024.

As Virat Kohli Comes, Shubman Gill Will Be Out – Aakash Chopra

While discussing India’s batting order for the T20I against Afghanistan, Aakash Chopra suggested that Shubman Gill could potentially fill the No. 3 spot vacated by ace batter Virat Kohli.

“The Indian team’s coach Rahul Dravid has said that you will see Yashasvi with Rohit as an opener as that’s the right way to go. There will be a question at No. 3. Will Shubman be seen at No. 3? At times, you play a player just to keep the seat warm. So as soon as Kohli comes, Gill will be out, that’s a possibility,” Chopra said.

“If Gill doesn’t play at No. 3 hypothetically, who will you play? You can play Tilak Varma at No. 3. Then you can play Rinku Singh at No. 4. You can have a direct shoot-out between Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson at No. 5 and No. 6, or else you can keep Shivam Dube there,” he added.

Virat Kohli will miss the first match for personal reasons. Kohli has been out of T20Is since the Men in Blue’s semi-final loss in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed that Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the batting for India.

Shivam Dube Can Be There – Aakash Chopra

Chopra highlighted the possibility of having numerous left-handers in the top six if Shivam Dube is selected over Sanju Samson. The former Indian opener said that Shivam Dube can provide an additional bowling option if needed.

“Shivam Dube can be there and then Jitesh Sharma can play at No. 6. That is also a possibility. So plenty of left-handers – Yashasvi as an opener, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube. There could be four left-handers in the top six if you need an extra bowler,” Chopra further stated.

Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the series due to an injury sustained during the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh. Suryakumar Yadav, who successfully led the team against Australia and South Africa, is also unavailable due to a sports hernia.

Don’t Think Washington Sundar Will Be Able To Play – Aakash Chopra

“After that, Axar will play for sure. Axar is also a left-hander. If you wish to play Washington Sundar by mistake, another left-hander. However, I don’t think Washi will be able to play. I feel if Axar is at No. 7, you will have to play a spinner only at No. 8 and that will be Kuldeep Yadav,” Chopra said.

“If Kuldeep plays at No. 8, India will have to go with three fast bowlers because considering the fog here, I am convinced a lot of dew could come. So I feel three fast bowlers and two spinners. A place might not created for Ravi Bishnoi and Washi.”

Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan will lead India’s pace attack against Afghanistan. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have been rested to manage their workload, while Mohammed Shami is recovering from an injury.

Also read: IND vs AFG: “Umran Malik Doesn’t Even Get Selected For India A” – Aakash Chopra Blasts Selectors