India will take on Afghanistan in the third and final ODI of the series in Chennai on June 20. Having already secured the series with commanding victories in the opening two matches, the Men in Blue now have an opportunity to test their bench strength and give valuable game time to players on the fringes of the playing XI.
With several selection decisions to make ahead of future assignments, discussions around India’s ideal combination have intensified. Former cricketers and experts have shared their views on how the team should line up for the dead rubber, particularly with young players pushing for opportunities and a few senior stars expected to return in the coming weeks.
Aakash Chopra reveals his preferred India XI for the 3rd ODI
Adding his perspective to the debate, former India opener Aakash Chopra recently named his preferred playing XI for the final ODI against Afghanistan. While retaining the core that helped India clinch the series, Chopra suggested a few tweaks to ensure promising youngsters get another opportunity to impress.
One of Chopra’s strongest views revolved around Yashasvi Jaiswal. The former cricketer believes the young left-hander should continue in the playing XI after featuring in only one game so far in the series. Chopra pointed out that opportunities could become limited once Virat Kohli returns to the ODI setup, making it important for India to maximize Jaiswal’s game time whenever possible.
He also noted that despite Ishan Kishan’s impressive performances, competition for batting spots is only expected to intensify in the coming months. According to Chopra, Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal should open the innings, followed by Shubman Gill at No. 3 and Ishan Kishan at No. 4.
Experienced middle-order and all-round balance
Chopra’s middle order features Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, both of whom have been key contributors in India’s ODI setup over the last few years. Their experience provides stability while also allowing the team to accelerate during the latter stages of the innings. The former opener also backed Nitish Kumar Reddy to return to the side if fully fit.
Chopra feels the young all-rounder offers excellent balance through his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, giving India an additional bowling option without compromising batting depth. Washington Sundar was included as another all-round option, adding flexibility to the lineup while strengthening the spin department alongside Kuldeep Yadav.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Chopra’s selection is his preference for a relatively inexperienced pace attack. He suggested that Arshdeep Singh could be rested if Nitish is available, leaving India with only three specialist bowlers in the XI. Kuldeep remains the lead spinner, while Punjab seamer Gurnoor Brar and emerging fast bowler Prince Yadav complete the bowling unit. Chopra believes the youngsters deserve an extended run, especially with India already having wrapped up the series.
Aakash Chopra’s India XI for the 3rd ODI vs Afghanistan: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav.
