IND vs NZ: Aakash Chopra’s Predicted India Playing XI for India vs New Zealand 1st ODI

After an exciting white-ball encounter against Sri Lanka, India will take on New Zealand in the three-match ODI series as a predation for the Cricket World Cup 2023. The series between the teams will kick start from 18th January in Hyderabad whereas the second and third games will be played on the 21st and 24th January in Raipur and Indore respectively.

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted India Playing XI for India vs New Zealand 1st ODI

The first ODI between India and New Zealand is just a few hours away from now. Many fans and pundits have picked their Indian playing XI for the first game and the latest to join bandwagon is Aakash Chopra.

The former cricketer wasn’t hesitant to name Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the opening pair for the first encounter as he feels that both performed well and there should be doubt about their place.

Hitman is getting ready for Kiwi challenge. pic.twitter.com/6oTqzwwKuG

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 17, 2023

He slotted Virat Kohli at No.3 and was of the opinion that absence of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have opened the gates for Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan in the middle and it’ll be a golden opportunity for them. Chopra place them at No.4 and No.5 respectively with Hardik Pandya at 6.

Chopra backed Washington Sundar to play at No.7 and then picked Kuldeep Yadav in side while also keeping the possibility of Yuzvendra Chahal in his place as well. He further sloted trio of Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik should play as they have done well, saying that they have been performing well. 

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted India Playing XI for India vs New Zealand 1st ODI

Here’s Aakash Chopra’s Predicted India Playing XI for India vs New Zealand 1st ODI:

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav/Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik