The possible absence of Virat Kohli from the first ODI against England has eased the selection headache for the team management little. With the plethora of talent that is available in the Indian squad, it does get tough for the team management to pick the playing XI. As for the first ODI, Shreyas Iyer is being seen as the perfect replacement for Virat Kohli, who could miss the match due to a groin injury. But, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has left a few surprised with one of his selections.

Analysing the Indian team, the former India opener-turned-pundit named the players he would pick for the first ODI. In place of Kohli, Iyer was Chopra’s pick for the No. 3 spot while Suryakumar Yadav came in at No. 4.

“If Kohli is not there, the team selection will become very simple; it will be very straightforward. Shikhar Dhawan with Rohit Sharma, left-right opening combination, once again KL Rahul’s absence removes the selection headache.”

“Shreyas at No. 3 and SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) at No. 4. SKY scored a century in 20 overs; so he will do the magic in 50 overs. These are important knocks for Shreyas Iyer because the heat is rising slightly. Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya this makes it six.”

Among the bowlers, what was a little surprising is that Arshdeep Singh earned Chopra’s nod ahead of Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj. What was surprising to see is that there was no mention of Jasprit Bumrah in the XI.

“Jaddu at No. 7. Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Shami, I will give a debut to Arshdeep Singh; I will give him the cap. I want to play him ahead of Siraj, that’s what I believe. And Yuzi Chahal will be my No. 11.”

In all likeliness, Bumrah will be in the Indian team, either in place of Prasidh or Arshdeep.

Aakash Chopra’s India XI for 1st ODI vs England: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.