Aakash Chopra picks six Pakistan players in combined Indo-Pak ODI XI

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Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Akash Chopra has picked his India-Pakistan combined XI ahead of their Asia Cup 2023 clash in Kandy on Saturday.

Chopra opted for Rohit Sharma and Fakhar Zaman as his opening pair, with Rohit also taking on the role of captain.

"I am Indian and I will be slightly biased. I am going to pick Rohit Sharma as my opener and as my captain. I am not taking Shubman Gill. I am split between Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. My mind tells me to go for Imam but my heart tells me to go with Zaman. So I am going with Zaman. I am saying let us score 350 runs," Chopra said.

At the crucial No. 3 position, Chopra had no hesitation in picking India's Virat Kohli ahead of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam due to his record. He appreciated Kohli's ability and experience in this position.

"At No. 3, I have no doubt in my mind. You might have a doubt if you are watching from the other side of the border. The mountain of runs Virat Kohli has scored batting at No. 3, I hope India also gets him to bat there, but Virat Kohli is going to be in my team at No. 3 every day of the week," Chopra added.

According to Chopra's lineup, Babar will follow Kohli at No. 4, despite usually batting at No. 3 for his national team.

"I have kept Babar Azam at No. 4 and there is no doubt that you will have to keep Babar Azam. He is that kind of a player. I am making him bat at No. 4. He plays at No. 3 for his team but if Virat is at No. 3, Babar might himself say he will play at No. 4." he further added.

For the wicketkeeper-batsman role, Chopra chose Mohammad Rizwan. Chopra's choice of all-rounder between Hardik Pandya and Iftikhar Ahmed depended on pitch conditions.

"Who will be the keeper? KL Rahul is unavailable in any case, I am keeping Mohammad Rizwan. At No. 6, if it's a slightly pace-friendly pitch, I will go with Hardik Pandya, but if it's slightly spin-friendly, I will go with Iftikhar Ahmed," Chopra said.

The 45-year-old picked Ravindra Jadeja at no. 7; however, he also suggested sending in Shadab Khan if an off-spinner was bowling.

"At No. 7, I have a left-hander because there is no left-hander after the opener. So I am keeping Ravindra Jadeja at No. 7. You can send Shadab Khan if an off-spinner is bowling and you can send Ravindra Jadeja if a left-arm spinner or leg-spinner is bowling because both are part of my team."

For the bowling attack, Chopra picked a trio of fast bowlers, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jasprit Bumrah, and Haris Rauf.

"Then I am picking three fast bowlers. The first name is Shaheen Shah Afridi. Then Jasprit Bumrah - Shaheen from one end and Bumrah from the other, the batter won't be able to breathe. There was a little fight for the final spot - Mohammed Siraj, Mohammad Shami or Haris Rauf. I will go with Haris Rauf."

Aakash Chopra's India-Pakistan combined XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Fakhar Zaman, Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Hardik Pandya/Iftikhar Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jasprit Bumrah, Haris Rauf.