Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, has recently revealed his ideal playing XI for India in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, set to be held in India from October 05. In his lineup, Chopra suggests including wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as the third opening option alongside captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.

An important factor to note is that Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, is currently unavailable for selection due to his ongoing recovery from injuries sustained in a severe car accident on December 30, 2022. Consequently, India needs alternative wicketkeeping options for the prestigious tournament, opening the door for Kishan’s potential inclusion. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet Sports.

Chopra expressed his thoughts on his YouTube Channel, stating, “It’s quite simple. Rohit Sharma will open with Shubman Gill. We have Virat Kohli. Since Rishabh Pant won’t be available, I am going with Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja. Hardik Pandya is undoubtedly going to be there. At this moment, I don’t see Ishan Kishan as a middle-order option. He could be the third opening option as a keeper-batter. We need a left-hander, and Kishan has also scored a double hundred in ODIs.”

Regarding the bowling department, the former opening batsman suggested the inclusion of wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal alongside Kuldeep Yadav. However, Chopra mentioned that the final team composition depends on the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul.

In another exciting development, Jasprit Bumrah, the pace sensation, dropped hints of his return to international cricket. Bumrah is expected to feature in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland. On Tuesday, July 18, the 29-year-old shared a video on social media showcasing his intense training sessions at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The images depicted Bumrah’s rigorous preparations as he strives to regain match fitness.

Notably, Bumrah has been absent from the field since September 2022 when he last played a T20I match against Australia. Indian cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his comeback and hope that the ace pacer will be fully prepared for the forthcoming World Cup.

As the World Cup draws nearer, fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the official announcement of India’s final playing XI, taking into consideration factors such as player fitness and team dynamics. The tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and all eyes will be on India as they aim to lift the coveted trophy on home soil. Get the latest updates from the world of cricket only on Nextbet Sports.