Aakash Chopra picks India’s playing XI for first Test vs WI; Kuldeep Yadav included

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has revealed India’s playing XI for the first Test against the West Indies, starting on Thursday, October 2, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

While Chopra didn’t make major changes, he has slotted Devdutt Padikkal at No. 5 and Dhruv Jurel as the keeper at No.6. Moreover, he brought in Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav as two of the three spin options.

"Sai Sudharsan at No. 3, Devdutt Padikkal at No. 5, and Dhruv Jurel at No. 6. So this is the top six I am thinking. Three spinners, among whom two are all-rounders - Ravindra Jadeja, the vice-captain, at No. 7 and Washington Sundar at No. 8. Now you have got enough batting depth. Don't choose a batter after that," Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Moreover, Chopra also asserted the reason behind going ahead with Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Axar Patel in his XI. He revealed that Kuldeep has been in red-hot form, coming into this game on the back of 17 wickets from the Asia Cup campaign.

"If you are thinking about playing Axar as well - No. Play Kuldeep Yadav at No. 9. That makes it your three spinners. All three spinners will have a role, and two will have a role in batting as well. Kuldeep Yadav is in red-hot form. He has recently taken 17 wickets in the Asia Cup," he added.

"In the first Test match, if you wish, play Bumrah, or else you can rest him. I am just saying this because he played the final on the 28th. If he is fit and available and wants to play, you play him, but if he wants a break, play Prasidh and Siraj, or else Bumrah and Siraj will play," he concluded.

Aakash Chopra’s India playing XI for the first Test vs West Indies:

KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah/Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.

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