AUS vs IND 2025: Aakash Chopra predicts India’s XI for Perth ODI, omits Kuldeep Yadav

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has predicted India’s final XI for the ODI series opener against Australia on Sunday, October 19, featuring a couple of surprising omissions. India will begin fine-tuning their 50-over side under the leadership of newly-appointed captain Shubman Gill, as they begin preparation for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

The first ODI at Optus Stadium in Perth will officially mark the beginning of Gill’s captaincy era in the ODI format. Unlike his Test captaincy debut, the 26-year-old will have the support of batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in a star-studded line-up.

Both Kohli and Rohit are returning to international cricket for the first time since India’s Champions Trophy triumph in March. Rohit will open the innings, following the selectors’ decision to hand over the captaincy mantle to Gill. With Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain and KL Rahul taking the role of first-choice wicketkeeper, India’s top five is largely settled in Chopra’s predicted XI.

In a video posted by Star Sports on X, Chopra suggested Gill open alongside Rohit, with Kohli coming in at No. 3. Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to remain on the sidelines. With Hardik Pandya unavailable due to injury, Chopra recommended Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 6. He included two spin-bowling all-rounders, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, a move that left no room for left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

Kuldeep had been instrumental in India’s Asia Cup 2025 success, claiming 17 wickets and topping the wicket-taking chart during India’s unbeaten run to the title. Chopra explained that the decision to omit him was driven by the need to strengthen batting depth.

With the top seven and eight spots filled, Chopra turned to India’s pace battery. With spearhead Jasprit Bumrah rested as part of workload management, four seamers were available. Chopra picked Harshit Rana, recently defended by head coach Gautam Gambhir amid criticism over alleged favoritism, alongside Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, leaving Prasidh Krishna on the bench.

Aakash Chopra’s Playing XI for the first ODI vs Australia:

Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh

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