Famous analyst Aakash Chopra has predicted India’s starting lineup for the first Twenty20 International in the next five-match series against Australia. Chopra shared his candid opinions while unveiling the optimal winning combination for the match, which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29 at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.
The former India opener chose players like Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill to open the batting order, with Tilak Varma and captain Suryakumar Yadav following. It appeared like the order was obvious. In addition, he asked Sanju Samson to be the wicketkeeper and added Shivam Dube. Chopra, however, wasn’t entirely convinced about his choice of lower-middle order and spinners.
The only way to retain Axar Patel at number eight is to play Nitish Kumar Reddy at number seven. Axar won’t be able to participate if you want to play Varun and Kuldeep together. Either play Axar at number seven or force Axar to sit out. Chopra stated in a video on his YouTube channel that “number seven might be a little too high.”
Aakash Chopra’s potential replacement at number eight is Harshit Rana.
The former cricket player who is now a commentator stated that Harshit Rana will only be used if neither Axar Patel nor Kuldeep Yadav are available, but he did not rule out making the squad for the match in Canberra. Chopra chose the deadly speed combination of Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah and selected Varun Chakravarthy as the specialist spinner.
“I find it a little challenging to have four good bowlers from No. 8 to No. 11 and Axar Patel at No. 7. Thus, Axar, Kuldeep, and Harshit—Harshit might be your number eight, but it isn’t a given. My main spinner will be Varun Chakaravarthy. Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah are playing, for sure. I’m not sure, but there might or might not be room for Kuldeep,” Chopra continued.
Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav/Axar Patel/Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh are the players in Aakash Chopra’s India starting lineup for the first Twenty20 International.
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