Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra (Image Credits: Twitter)

Aakash Chopra has named his Indian XI for the first One-Day International against England, claiming that Virat Kohli’s likely absence has made his job easier.

The first of three One-Day International (ODI) matches will be played at The Oval on Tuesday, July 12. Kohli is supposedly unlikely to play due to a groin injury sustained in the final T20I on Sunday.

Virat Kohli (Image Credits: BCCI)
Virat Kohli (Image Credits: BCCI)

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma were Chopra’s two pickers, and he explained why in a video posted on his YouTube channel:

“If Kohli is not present, choosing the team will be very easy and uncomplicated. Again, the picking conundrum is eliminated by Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma’s left-right opening duo.”

Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer PC- Twitter

“Shreyas is ranked third, and Suryakumar Yadav is ranked fourth. SKY hit a century in 20 overs, proving that he can work his charm in just 50. Given that the heat is a little bit rising, these are significant blows for Shreyas Iyer. There are now six, thanks to Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya” Aakash Chopra said.

‘I want to play Arshdeep ahead of Siraj’: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra chose Arshdeep Singh to make his debut as one of five bowlers. He explained:

“Jaddu is ranked 7th. Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Shami, I will give Arshdeep Singh his debut; I will give him the cap. I believe I should start him ahead of Siraj. And Yuzi Chahal will be my No. 11.”

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Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh (Image Credits: Twitter)

After a convincing T20 series victory over England, Rohit Sharma and company are now focused on the ODI series.

Aakash Chopra’s India XI for 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

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