‘Quite Baffling…’: Aakash Chopra questions THIS star’s omission from India’s playing XI in 1st T20I vs Australia

Former India opener Aakash Chopra expressed his surprise at the decision, questioning why a proven performer like Arshdeep was left out of the lineup.

“It’s quite baffling that India’s highest T20I wicket-taker can’t find a place in the playing XI-even in Australia. Of course, it didn’t happen in the UAE for the Asia Cup. What are the chances of him playing in the World Cup? That’s the first thought that crosses the mind. The biggest takeaway is the philosophy with which this team has been playing for a while-that you need somebody who can bat at No. 8,” Aakash Chopra said on ESPN Cricinfo.

“In this case, Harshit Rana was picked ahead of Arshdeep Singh not because of his bowling ability, but just because of his batting. You could possibly understand if there were a better, more capable batter playing at No. 8. But the sample size we have of Harshit Rana’s batting ability is not big enough to actually suggest that he is a batter who can deliver regularly at No. 8. Harshit Rana doesn’t fit the bill yet.”

India captain Suryakumar Yadav entertained fans with a display of crisp strokeplay before rain brought an abrupt end to the first T20 International against Australia in Canberra on Wednesday. Returning to his fluent best, Suryakumar crafted an unbeaten 39 off just 24 balls, showcasing controlled aggression and elegant shot-making. His deputy, Shubman Gill, also impressed with a brisk 37 not out from 20 deliveries. Together, the pair added a solid 62-run stand off 35 balls for the second wicket and looked set for big scores before persistent showers forced the match to be called off.

Suryakumar, who had a strike rate of less than 110 and managed only 100 runs in 2025, showed why he was once the world’s No. 1 ranked T20 batter as he picked up a Josh Hazlewood delivery and deposited it over the square-leg fence.