BGT 2024-25: Aakash Chopra predicts India’s playing XI for first Test

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is right around the corner, and the Indian team is all set to take on Australia in the first Test of the series from November 22, with the first game being played in Perth. It is worth noting that India will be without the services of Rohit Sharma for the first Test, and Bumrah will lead in his place.

Ahead of the first Test in Perth, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra took centre stage and predicted India’s playing XI for the Perth Test. Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Aakash Chopra gave his prediction.

The former opener predicted that Yashasvi Jaiswal would open alongside KL Rahul in the first Test, with Devdutt Padikkal coming in after the first wicket. He predicted that Virat Kohli would retain his place as the number four, with Rishabh Pant following him.

Furthermore, he backed the inclusion of Dhruv Jurel over Sarfaraz Khan in the lineup, with Nitish Kumar Reddy being included as well. He predicted R Ashwin as the lone spinner in the side with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep completing the playing XI.

It's your duty to try Sarfaraz at least: Chopra

Recently, Aakash Chopra came forward and talked about the recent form of Sarfaraz Khan as well. Despite not including him in his predicted XI, Chopra had opined that he was disappointed with the possibility of Sarfaraz Khan not being chosen in the playing XI. 

"Can Sarfaraz not be considered at all? Although you and I might have less confidence in him, it doesn't make a difference what you, I or the team think about him. If you have taken him along, it's your duty to try him at least," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel. 

Aakash Chopra’s predicted XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep