Aakash Chopra predicts India’s playing XI vs WI; Devdutt Padikkal & Kuldeep Yadav included

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has predicted Team India’s playing XI for the first Test against the West Indies. Notably, the two-match Test series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

The first Test is scheduled to be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra has picked Devdutt Padikkal at No. 5, while Dhruv Jurel is slotted as the keeper at No.6. 

"Sai Sudharsan at No. 3, Devdutt Padikkal at No. 5, and Dhruv Jurel at No. 6. So this is the top six I am thinking. Three spinners, among whom two are all-rounders - Ravindra Jadeja, the vice-captain, at No. 7 and Washington Sundar at No. 8. Now you have got enough batting depth. Don't choose a batter after that," Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Additionally, Chopra also reasoned behind including Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Axar Patel in his XI, revealing that the attacking spinner Kuldeep has been in red-hot form, coming into this game on the back of 17 wickets from the Asia Cup 2025 campaign.

"If you are thinking about playing Axar as well - No. Play Kuldeep Yadav at No. 9. That makes it your three spinners. All three spinners will have a role, and two will have a role in batting as well. Kuldeep Yadav is in red-hot form. He has recently taken 17 wickets in the Asia Cup," he added.

"In the first Test match, if you wish, play Bumrah, or else you can rest him. I am just saying this because he played the final on the 28th. If he is fit and available and wants to play, you play him, but if he wants a break, play Prasidh and Siraj, or else Bumrah and Siraj will play," he concluded.

Aakash Chopra’s India playing XI for the first Test vs West Indies:

KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah/Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!