Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has predicted India’s final XI for the ODI series opener against Australia on Sunday, October 19, with a few unexpected omissions. India will continue fine-tuning their 50-over side, led by recently chosen skipper Shubman Gill, as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
The first ODI at Optus Stadium in Perth will officially kick off Gill’s captaincy era in the ODI format. Unlike his Test captaincy debut, the 26-year-old will be supported by batting legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in a star-studded lineup.
Kohli and Rohit are returning to international cricket for the first time since India won the Champions Trophy in March. Rohit will begin the innings after the selectors decided to hand over the captaincy to Gill. With Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain and KL Rahul as first-choice wicketkeeper, Chopra’s anticipated XI mostly consists of India’s top five.
Who makes the cut in @cricketaakash‘s playing XI for India’s 1st ODI vs Australia? 🤔
What’s your take? Tell us your ideal XI in the comments! 👇✍️#AUSvIND 👉🏻 1st ODI | SUN, 19th OCT on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/QKfuQqwuRp
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 15, 2025
In a video broadcast by Star Sports on X, Chopra suggested Gill open with Rohit, with Kohli at No.3. Yashasvi Jaiswal, a young player, is slated to sit out. With Hardik Pandya out due to injury, Chopra recommended Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 6. He selected two spin-bowling all-rounders, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, leaving no opportunity for left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Kuldeep was essential in India’s Asia Cup 2025 victory, collecting 17 wickets and leading the wicket-taking chart during the team’s undefeated march to the title. Chopra indicated that the decision to remove him was motivated by the need to increase batting depth.
With the top seven and eight positions secured, Chopra went to India’s pace batteries. Four seamers were available while leader Jasprit Bumrah rested due to workload management. Chopra selected Harshit Rana, who was recently defended by head coach Gautam Gambhir amid allegations of favoritism, along with Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh, while 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
India
