AUS vs IND: Aakash Chopra picks India’s XI for the first ODI against Australia

As India begins a new chapter in ODI cricket under Shubman Gill’s leadership, Akash Chopra He shared his vision of what a playing first XI could look like. The series opener against Australia in Perth comes immediately after India’s 2025 Champions Trophy victory, and all eyes will be on how Gill copes with the added responsibility of captaincy.

Chopra emphasized that the XI they selected balances experience, youth and adaptability to suit Australian conditions. With pace-friendly pitches expected at Optus Stadium, Chopra’s line-up reflects both batting depth and bowling flexibility – key ingredients for success Down Under.

Akash Chopra notes India’s playing for Perth ODI

Top order: experience and firepower

For the top order, Chopra supported Shubman Gil and Rohit Sharma to open the rounds, describing them as the ideal combination of composure and aggression. Their partnership, he noted, provides India with stability and explosive powerplay potential.

At number 3, Chopra didn’t hesitate to pick Virat Kohli, naming him “India’s batting column.” With his unrivaled record and consistency in ODIs, Kohli’s presence adds experience and confidence to the early middle phase of the innings.

Middle order: strength and stability

Moving to the middle order, Chopra picked vice-captain Shreyas Iyer at No.4, citing his ability to control pace and handle pressure in crunch situations. At No. 5 he picked KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper batsman, praising his adaptability and calm demeanor in the middle overs.

Considering Hardik Pandya’s injury, Chopra brought in Nitish Kumar Reddy at No.6. He highlighted Reddy’s role as a pace all-rounder, which adds balance to the squad. “Reddy offers the right combination of batting power and bowling versatility – something India will need in Hardik’s absence,” Chopra explained.

All game options and spin bowling options

In a notable move, Chopra decided not to include a specialist spinner like Kuldeep Yadav, instead preferring a pair of spin bowling all-rounders – Axar Patel and Washington Sundar. He reasoned that the pair enhances India’s batting depth while offering complementary spin options: Axar’s orthodox left-arm spin and Washington’s off-spin versatility.

Also read: Virat Kohli’s mysterious post raises questions as India prepares for Australia ODI series

According to Chopra, this strategy not only strengthens India’s lower order but also ensures the team a more flexible bowling attack suited to Australian conditions, where spin can be effective in the middle overs.

Pace Attack: Youth and energy lead the charge

For the fast bowling department, Chopra chose Mohammad Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana as the three main pacers. He took out Prasidh Krishna, arguing that Rana’s current form and ability to get across different stages gives him an edge.

Chopra recently defended his support for Harshit Rana after critics accused him of favoritism, saying: “Rene’s potential cannot be denied – he is fast, disciplined and brave enough to attack early.” Siraj’s experience with the new ball and Arshdeep’s left-arm angle complete a well-rounded pace trio.

Also read: Australia vs India ODI & T20I Series – Date, Match Time, Teams, Broadcast & Live Streaming Details