The cricketer-turned-commentator highlighted that he did not consider the performances in the final while choosing his side to make it fair to all players. For the record, Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 23 runs in the title decider to bag their sixth trophy in the continental tournament.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra picked Mohammad Rizwan and Pathum Nissanka as his two openers. Regarding the Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter, he elaborated:
As for Nissanka, the former India opener said:
Chopra chose Virat Kohli to bat at the No. 3 position. He explained:
Ibrahim Zadran was the only Afghanistan batter picked by Chopra. The latter observed:
Chopra completed his top six by picking two Sri Lankan players. He elaborated:
Bhanuka Rajapaksa was the Player of the Match in the Asia Cup 2022 final. The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 71 off just 45 balls to help the Lankan Lions set a challenging target for Pakistan when they were in a spot of bother.
“The two names now are Pakistan’s backbone” - Aakash Chopra on Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz
Chopra picked Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz as spin-bowling all-rounders. He explained:
Mujeeb Ur Rahman pipped Rashid Khan as the third spinner, with Wanindu Hasarnaga missing out as Chopra did not consider the performances in the final. The reputed commentator stated:
Chopra concluded by picking Naseem Shah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as his two seamers. He reasoned:
Aakash Chopra’s Asia Cup 2022 XI: Mohammad Rizwan, Pathum Nissanka, Virat Kohli, Ibrahim Zadran, Dasun Shanaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naseem Shah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
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