Akash Chopra picks Joe Root ahead of Virat Kohli in World Test XI to face New Zealand

Akash Chopra has dropped Virat Kohli from his world test XI, which could face New Zealand in their backyard.

Only three Indian cricketers, Rohit Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rishabh Pant has made the cut in Akash Chopra’s World Test XI.

New Zealand has recently defeated India by eight wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Akash Chopra has picked England skipper Joe Root ahead of Virat Kohli at no 4 and as the leader of his World Test playing XI.

“At No 4, I have kept Joe Root. Yes, Kohli and Babar Azam, you are not there. He has scored 1660 runs, of course, they play more matches, which includes double centuries in India, Sri Lanka,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

India’s Rohit Sharma and Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne were picked as openers in Chopra’s hypothetical team. Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne was slotted at number three.

Steve Smith will bat at No 5 owing to his spectacular record in the longest format. For the all-rounder’s spot Chopra picked Ben Stokes instead of World No 1 all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.

“At No.6, I have got Ben Stokes. No Jason Holder or Ravindra Jadeja. You will need Ben Stokes’ bowling for sure. He has scored 1334 runs, almost the same as Steve Smith, at an average of 46 and he has taken wickets as well,” said Chopra.

Rishabh Pant also made into this team ahead of Quinton de Kock and WTC winner BJ Watling. Ravichandran Ashwin is the third Indian and lone spinner in the team. With New Zealand tracks assisting the fast bowlers, pacers Pat Cummins, Stuart Broad, and Josh Hazlewood occupied the remaining three slots.

Interestingly, James Anderson and Kagiso Rabada also failed to make the cut.

Aakash Chopra’s World Test XI: Rohit Sharma, Dimuth Karunaratne, Marnus Labuschagne, Joe Root (c), Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, Pat Cummins, Stuart Broad, Josh Hazlewood