Aakash Chopra Selects ODI Team of 2018, Includes Five Indian Players

India’s former opener Aakash Chopra has selected his ODI team of 2018. Chopra has picked five Indian, two England one Windies, one South African and two Afghanistan players in his team. The renowned commentator has picked Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma as his openers. Dhawan and Rohit have been instrumental in providing a great start to their team.

Rohit Sharma was the second highest run-getter of 2018 as the stylish batsman scored 1030 runs at an average 73.57 in 19 ODI matches. Shikhar Dhawan amassed 897 runs in 19 ODI matches.

Chopra picks a potent side.

Meanwhile, Indian captain Virat Kohli makes the cut into Aakash Chopra’s team. Kohli was the leading run-scorer of 2018 as he collected 1202 runs in 14 ODI matches at a staggering average of 133.55. Chopra picks Joe Root who had scored 946 runs in 24 matches.

Check out ODI XI of the Year 2018: #AakashVani on Hotstar!
Yes…we are on ⁦@hotstartweets⁩ now ?? Upwards and Onwards…. https://t.co/JjmygBdJoB

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 25, 2019

Windies rookie batsman Shimron Hetmyer who impressed on the tour of India also gets a place in Chopra’s squad. The southpaw batsman scored 727 runs in 19 matches of the previous year. Jos Buttler who scored 671 runs in 23 matches in 2018 gets a place in the former opener’s team.

Rashid Khan and Kuldeep Yadav are the two spinners in Aakash Chopra’s team. Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada, and Mustafizur Rahman are the three fast bowlers.

Strong bowling line-up.

Afghanistan talisman spinner Rashid Khan was the leading wicket-taker in 2018 as he scalped 48 wickets in 20 matches. Kuldeep Yadav also had a stellar year as he took 45 wickets in 19 ODI matches in 2018.

Mustafizur Rahman who has been instrumental in Bangladesh’s success scalped 29 wickets in 18 ODI matches in 2018. Jasprit Bumrah took 22 wickets in 13 matches he played in the previous year. Kagiso Rabada went on to take 22 wickets in 14 ODI matches.

Here is Aakash Chopra’s ODI XI of 2018:

Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Rashid Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah, Mustafizur Rahman.