Aakash Chopra picks his current best ODI XI; Eoin Morgan to lead

On Monday, Aakash Chopra released an ODI XI with all the current cricketers. The former Indian cricketer chose four Indians, two Englishmen, two New Zealanders, one Bangladeshi, one Australian, and one West Indian. He didn’t include anyone from Pakistan in his XI but the 12th man was from the country. There were no players South Africa, Sri Lanka, or Afghanistan.

For openers spot, Chopra went with Rohit Sharma and West Indian batsman Shai Hope. He also gave the responsibility of wicketkeeping to Hope in this side. The former opener mentioned that he had considered Aaron Finch, but eventually went with Hope because he needed a keeper.

For the No.3 spot, he unsurprisingly went with the Indian skipper Virat Kohli. He chose Ross Taylor at no. 4. He also addressed his selection by saying, “We, in sub-continent, don’t realize this but Taylor has scored a lot of runs for the past two years.”

I want him to make this side play a different brand of cricket: Aakash Chopra

At no.5, Aakash Chopra went with Eoin Morgan. He also made him the captain ahead of Kohli. While talking about Morgan, the cricketer turned commentator talked about the success he has had with both captaincy and batting. “He has instilled a different brand of cricket in England. That is why I have made him the captain. I want him to make this side play a different brand of cricket,” Chopra said in his latest YouTube video.

After this, he decided to go with two all-rounders, Shakib Al Hasan and Ben Stokes. Chopra acknowledged that both of them have had success with the bat in recent times. He also accounted that their bowling numbers haven’t been up to the mark. “Their bowling numbers haven’t been satisfactory which is why I feel they can support each other by delivering 10 overs for me,” Chopra said.

In the bowling department, Aakash went with a surprise selection. He chose Mohammed Shami ahead of Jasprit Bumrah. He also chose Kuldeep Yadav as his spinner in the side. As for the other two spots, he went with Lockie Ferguson and Mitchell Starc. He pointed out that Starc should be included considering that he was the leading wicket-taker in two back to back World Cup competitions. Chopra also made a point saying that Ferguson’s numbers are better than Boult, which is why he has been selected.

He added that he couldn’t include the likes of Kane Williamson or Babar Azam in the XI. He added Azam as his 12th man.

Aakash Chopra’s current ODI XI: Rohit Sharma, Shai Hope (WK), Virat Kohli, Ross Taylor, Eoin Morgan (Capt.), Shakib Al Hasan, Ben Stokes, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Lockie Ferguson, Babar Azam (12th man)

Watch the video: