IND vs AUS: Aakash Chopra picks India's probable XI for Nagpur Test

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has revealed India's probable eleven ahead of the much-anticipated Test series opener between India and Australia in Nagpur, commencing on February 9. The ex-cricketer made quite a few suggestions as the Indian team are dealing with a couple of notable absentees for the upcoming series.

Aakash Chopra stuck with the tried and tested opening pair of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, with the former being his first pick ahead of Shubman Gill. He reckoned there will be no other changes in the batting order apart from the middle order slot, which has been vacated due to the injury to Shreyas Iyer.

"The Indian team have to give answers to a few big questions. I am seeing Rahul and Rohit opening. I am saying there might not be any change there, that's what I generally feel. Cheteshwar Pujara at No. 3 and (Virat) Kohli will be there at No. 4. A big question for the Indian team is who they want to play at No. 5," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

While Chopra felt the bustling form of Gill makes him a prime candidate for the role, Suryakumar Yadav is also in with a fair shout after receiving his maiden Test call-up. He favours KS Bharat for the wicketkeeping role because of his superior skills with the gloves. However, the cricketer turned expert feels that India could do with an aggressive batter like Ishan Kishan in the absence of Rishabh Pant.

"Their mind might go toward Shubman Gill because he has been doing so well for the last little while that they will not like to make him sit out. But is No. 5 ideal for him, maybe in the long-term or maybe now - we don't know. If Surya gets his debut at No. 5, then you can easily go with KS Bharat. If Shubman Gill plays, maybe you start thinking about Ishan Kishan. I am just thinking if there is a disruptor," he added.

My heart says you should play Kuldeep Yadav: Chopra

Coming to the Indian bowlers, the former cricketer opined that Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin were guaranteed starters for the first Test, with the only question mark on India's third spinner. Chopra suggested the name of Kuldeep Yadav, who will have more impact with the ball unless it is a rank turner that will suit Axar Patel more than the former.

"After that, three spinners will play, in which Jaddu and Ashwin are certainties, but who will be the third spinner? If it is a rank turner, then Axar, or else my heart says you should play Kuldeep Yadav because he gets a lot of turn and you get a little variety. You get a left-arm spinner, an off-spinner, and a wrist spinner. Then, Siraj and Shami - I think that's straightforward. The Indian team is looking very strong."

Aakash Chopra's probable India XI for 1st Test: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill/Suryakumar Yadav, Kona Srikar Bharat/Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel/Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj

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