As the cricketing world’s gaze remains fixed on the ongoing England vs India Test series of 2025, former opener and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra has stirred the pot with his selection of India’s all-time Test XI. In a move that has sparked debate among fans and experts alike, Chopra’s lineup features a blend of icons from different eras, yet notably omits MS Dhoni, one of India’s most celebrated captains and wicketkeepers.
Aakash Chopra picks India’s all-time Test XI
Chopra’s XI opens with the legendary Sunil Gavaskar and the explosive Virender Sehwag. According to Chopra, this pairing offers the perfect contrast, Gavaskar’s calm, methodical approach complementing Sehwag’s fearless aggression.
“You can’t look beyond two openers whose names are Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag. There isn’t much scope for discussion. A lot of calm on one side, and a lot of passion on the other. A lot of hitting from one end and solidity from the other,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
At number three, Chopra’s choice is the ever-reliable Rahul Dravid, famously known as “The Wall,” whose defensive technique and resilience made him a mainstay in India’s middle order. Following Dravid is Sachin Tendulkar at number four, a selection that Chopra believes is beyond debate, given Tendulkar’s monumental contributions and his status as the highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
“Who should be kept at No. 3? Once again, there isn’t much debate. You might think whether Cheteshwar Pujara can be there, but I can’t look beyond Rahul Dravid, and neither can you. Rahul Dravid’s name being at No. 3 is as simple as Sachin paaji’s name being at No. 4. So Wall is at No. 3, and at No. 4, we have got God. There is no question or doubt about Paaji’s name being at No. 4. There was a long phase in his career when he was carrying the entire team on his shoulders,” the former Indian opener added.
Virat Kohli, another modern great, slots in at number five and is also named captain of this hypothetical XI. Chopra acknowledges the competition for this spot, with VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly being strong contenders, but asserts that Kohli’s impact and consistency make him indispensable. At number six, in a move that has raised eyebrows, Rishabh Pant is chosen as the wicketkeeper-batter, edging out MS Dhoni. Chopra justifies this by highlighting Pant’s remarkable achievements at a young age and his game-changing abilities in the longest format.
“When I keep someone after Paaji at No. 5, that’s also a very easy job. That player’s name is Virat Kohli. You could have tried to keep Kohli’s name at No. 4 too, but you won’t be able to keep it ahead of Paaji. VVS Laxman’s name could have also been there at No. 5. Sourav Ganguly is also pulling his weight, but Virat Kohli has to be there at No. 5. At No. 6, I have kept Rishabh Pant. When I had made the team three or four years ago, I had kept MS Dhoni’s name. However, now I feel you have to put Rishabh Pant. If the guy becomes part of India’s all-time Test XI at 25 years of age, you doff your hat. He is worth his weight in gold,” the cricketer turned commentator stated.
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Chopra names power packed bowling greats and the all-round backbone in the line-up
The all-rounder’s spot at number seven goes to Kapil Dev, a legend whose 434 wickets and over 5,000 runs make him one of the finest all-rounders in cricket history. Chopra emphasizes that having Kapil at this position provides the team with both depth in batting and a formidable seam-bowling option.
“At No. 7, I have got one of the finest all-rounders the world has ever seen – Kapil paaji. If a player like Paaji comes at No. 7, just think about it. In bowling, 434 wickets, and in batting, more than 5,000 runs. When he was playing, he was one of the greatest of that time. He is one of the greatest ever to have played the game,” Chopra elaborated.
For the spin department, Chopra picks Ravichandran Ashwin and Anil Kumble, both of whom boast exceptional records and the ability to turn matches single-handedly. Ashwin’s selection, according to Chopra, is based on his sheer weight of performances, while Kumble’s 600-plus wickets make him a natural choice. Rounding out the XI are two pace spearheads: Jasprit Bumrah and Zaheer Khan. Bumrah, one of only two current-generation players in this lineup, is lauded for his rapid rise and wicket-taking ability. Zaheer is preferred over Javagal Srinath for his left-arm angle and knack for delivering breakthroughs in crucial moments.
“At No. 8, there was a slight tussle as to who to keep among Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin, Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and Bishan Singh Bedi. I am going with Ravichandran Ashwin. I am just going with the sheer weight of performances. What else do you need if you have Jumbo at No. 9? More than 600 wickets, and you have got runs. Only two fast bowlers are left. One is Jasprit Bumrah, who is among the two players I have been able to pick from the current lot. Last but not the least, it’s a toss-up between Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath. I am going with Zaheer Khan because you get a left-armer,” Chopra concluded.
Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Kapil Dev, Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, Jasprit Bumrah, Zaheer Khan.
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