The Rohit Sharma-led side was dealt a blow ahead of the three-match ODI series with the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Ruturaj Gaikwad testing positive for COVID-19. Vice-captain KL Rahul is also not available for the first match of the series due to personal reasons.
While sharing the XI through a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra pointed out that the top five almost pick themselves. He said:
The cricketer-turned-commentator wants Deepak Hooda to make his international debut in the first ODI. Aakash Chopra elaborated:
Shahrukh Khan has also been added as a backup option in the Indian squad for the first ODI. However, Hooda is likely to be preferred as he was part of the originally chosen squad.
“I will not play Shardul Thakur at No. 7 in ODI cricket” - Aakash Chopra
While picking Washington Sundar in his side, Aakash Chopra highlighted that Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal cannot play together in such a scenario. He explained:
The 44-year-old also picked Deepak Chahar ahead of Shardul Thakur as the seam-bowling all-rounder. Chopra reasoned:
Aakash Chopra’s Indian XI for the 1st ODI: Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
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