Former India Test specialist Aakash Chopra has picked a combined India-Pakistan XI of all time. Now, commentator, Chopra uploaded a video on his social media handle and named the XI greatest of all seasons. While picking the side, Chopra gave much preference to India in the batting order while Pakistan had their noses ahead when it comes to the bowling department.
“I wanted to do a fun exercise today by selecting the combined all-time Test XI of Pakistan and India, although it was a very difficult task,” Chopra said in a clip uploaded on Facebook. “One thing that we will all agree, before moving on, that the team will give more preference to Indian batsmen and Pakistan bowlers.”
Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid make up the top 4, MS Dhoni to keep wickets
The 42-year-old picked Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag as the openers of the side. Chopra shared quite a few opening stands with Sehwag during his playing career. “There is no doubt that Sunil Gavaskar will be one of the openers as his presence is absolutely mandatory,” he said. “I would partner him with Virender Sehwag because he scored two triple centuries in Test cricket which is quite an achievement.”
He then went on to pick Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar to fill in the top four. The duo played numerous match-winning knocks while representing the country. Chopra also named Inzamam-ul-Haq and Javed Miandad in the playing XI. Both the batters have legendary stature in world cricket. Interestingly, Chopra thought of offering the wicket-keeping duty to Dravid but changed his mind and picked MS Dhoni in the XI.
“At third and fourth position, I would include Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar,” he said. “At fifth and sixth position, although they are both playing out of position but deserve a place in the XI, are Inzamam-ul-Haq and Javed Miandad.”
He played a masterstroke by roping in two world champions- Kapil Dev and Imran Khan to his side. Wasim Akram and Anil Kumble found their respective slots while Waqar Younis was named as the 12th man of the side led by Imran.
Take a look at Aakash Chopra’s combined India-Pakistan XI:
Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni (WK), Inzamam-ul-Haq, Javed Miandad, Kapil Dev, Imran Khan (Captain), Anil Kumble, Wasim Akram. Waqar Younis (12th man)