Asia Cup 2022: Aakash Chopra predicts India's playing XI ahead of clash against Pakistan

The excitement is high and the cricket fans cannot keep calm as India and Pakistan are set to lock horns in a few hours. The second game of the Asia Cup 2022 will witness the arch-rivals meet for the first time since the T20 World Cup 2021. The previous meeting did not go in India’s favor, but the Men in Blue will be giving their best to turn the tables around this time.

Amidst all the nerves and hustle, cricket experts have been sharing their thoughts on the two sides, and their ideal combinations for the contest. Similarly, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has given his verdict and predicted India’s playing XI for Sunday’s clash against Pakistan. Just like other experts, Chopra has kept Dinesh Karthik out of the game to fit in the regular players in the XI.

Chopra selected skipper Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, his deputy, as the openers with Virat Kohli holding his regular place at No. 3. This is the same top-order lineup that was deployed when the two teams last met. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav make it to the top of Chopra’s middle-order lineup, which is again like the 2021 World Cup order.

Chopra believes Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja will make it into the XI as the all-rounders for the side. Being placed at No. 6 and No. 7, the duo will also possess the responsibility of the death-over hitting. Pandya and Jadeja have been in good form in the white-ball format and both were also a part of the World Cup combination. But back then, Pandya was considered a pure batter, which is not the case this time around.

A balanced Indian bowling attack

The bowling attack includes the experienced white-ball specialist Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the spin maestro Yuzvendra Chahal, who also happens to be the third-highest wicket-taker for India this year in the format, the young and newest entrant into the setup Arshdeep Singh, and lastly Avesh Khan. In the absence of senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Chopra has picked out a mix of experienced and fresh faces, which might prove to be a task for India against an in-form Pakistan.

Aakash Chopra’s Playing XI for IND vs PAK: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan.

My India Playing XI for today’s #IndvPak
1. Rohit
2. Rahul
3. Kohli
4. Pant
5. SKY
6. Hardik
7. Jadeja
8. Bhuvi
9. Chahal
10. Arshdeep
11. Avesh Khan

Your thoughts? #IndvPak #AsiaCup @StarSportsIndia

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 28, 2022