Aakash Chopra Picks India Playing XI for IND vs AFG 3rd ODI, Backs Nitish Kumar Reddy Over Arshdeep Singh

With the three-match ODI series already secured, Team India head into the final encounter against Afghanistan with the luxury of experimentation. Former India opener and Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra believes the third ODI in Chennai presents the ideal opportunity to test new combinations ahead of a packed international calendar.

Chopra has proposed a bold playing XI that prioritizes batting depth over an additional specialist bowler, suggesting that Arshdeep Singh should make way if all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is declared fit.

India have dominated the series so far, registering comprehensive victories in Dharamsala and Lucknow to take an unassailable 2-0 lead. With the pressure of securing the series removed, the focus has now shifted toward player rotation and squad assessment.

Why Aakash Chopra Wants Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Playing XI

According to Chopra, India’s team management should resist the temptation to revert to a conservative combination and instead continue investing in multi-dimensional players.

He argued that Nitish Kumar Reddy’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides greater balance than selecting an additional specialist pacer.

“Make Arshdeep Singh sit out and play Nitish Kumar Reddy. We don’t need five full bowlers. We are ready to play even with four and a half.”

Chopra’s recommendation reflects a growing trend in modern ODI cricket, where teams increasingly favor batting depth and flexible all-round options over traditional bowling-heavy lineups.

If Nitish is fully fit, India could effectively extend their batting order while still maintaining adequate bowling resources.

Aakash Chopra’s Predicted India XI for the 3rd ODI

The most notable omission from Chopra’s lineup is Arshdeep Singh, with the former cricketer opting for a combination featuring just three specialist bowlers.

Why Yashasvi Jaiswal Deserves Another Opportunity

Chopra also strongly backed Yashasvi Jaiswal to retain his place in the XI despite fierce competition for top-order spots.

According to the commentator, opportunities for Jaiswal in the ODI setup may become increasingly limited once senior players return.

“As soon as Virat Kohli returns, there won’t be a place for Ishan. If Ishan Kishan, who scored a hundred just now, can sit out, Yashasvi has no chance at all.”

The former opener believes India’s management should use the dead rubber to provide valuable game time to younger players who may not feature regularly in the future.

For Jaiswal, another innings in Chennai could prove crucial in strengthening his case for long-term inclusion in India’s 50-over plans.

Can India Afford to Play With Just Five Bowling Options?

One of Chopra’s most debated suggestions is his belief that India do not require a sixth bowling option against Afghanistan.

His proposed attack consists of:

• Nitish Kumar Reddy
• Washington Sundar
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Gurnoor Brar
• Prince Yadav

Chopra argued that the team management should expect Nitish Kumar Reddy to complete his full quota of overs if selected.

While this approach offers greater batting security, it also carries risks, particularly if one of the frontline bowlers has an off day or encounters fitness issues during the match.

Modern ODI cricket increasingly favors flexible lineups, but most successful teams still prefer at least six bowling options to manage workloads and tactical adjustments.

India’s Dominant Series Performance So Far

India’s commanding performances in the first two ODIs have created room for experimentation.

In the second ODI, India posted a massive total of 402 runs before bowling Afghanistan out for 232.

Captain Shubman Gill has led from the front with the bat, while young pacers Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav have seized their opportunities with impressive performances.

Afghanistan Face Tough Questions Ahead of the Final ODI

Chopra also offered advice to Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, urging him to bat first if he wins the toss in Chennai.

Afghanistan elected to field first in the second ODI, a decision that backfired spectacularly as India piled on over 400 runs in favorable batting conditions.

With the series already lost, the visitors will be eager to avoid a whitewash and end the tour on a positive note.

For India, however, the final ODI is less about the result and more about identifying players who can strengthen the squad ahead of future ICC tournaments.

Conclusion

Aakash Chopra’s proposed playing XI reflects a forward-looking approach centered on squad development and tactical flexibility.

His call to include Nitish Kumar Reddy ahead of Arshdeep Singh highlights the increasing value of all-rounders in modern ODI cricket, while his support for Yashasvi Jaiswal underlines the importance of maximizing opportunities for emerging players.

Whether the team management adopts Chopra’s recommendations remains to be seen, but with the series already in the bag, Chennai offers India the perfect opportunity to test new combinations and evaluate their bench strength.

As competition for places intensifies ahead of future global events, every opportunity could prove decisive in shaping India’s next-generation ODI squad.