Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra named his best 11 of the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, where the series resulted in a thrilling 2-2 draw as both teams shared the accolades after 25 days of peak red-ball cricket.
Aakash Chopra, known for his straightforward speech and criticism, shared his best XI of the series — featuring 7 Indian players alongside 4 England players. He revealed his team on his YouTube channel.
Chopra’s Opening Combination: Jaiswal & Rahul
Chopra retained the Indian openers, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, opting for the left-right combination. He pointed out that Yashasvi Jaiswal edged out Ben Duckett in this series due to his impactful performances.
"The first name I have kept is Yashasvi Jaiswal. Ben Duckett's name could have also been there, but I am going to put Yashasvi. It's not like a chalk-and-cheese difference. Yashasvi, I felt, has done well. He scored hundreds in the first and last matches, and had two half-centuries in between," Chopra said on youtube channel.
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He was also impressed by KL Rahul’s calm and composed demeanor on the pitch, praising his consistency.
"KL Rahul will partner him. KL Rahul deserves to be there. He has scored more than 500 runs and batted extremely well. He too has scored two centuries and two half-centuries. You see class in his batting. He was calm and composed, and he was consistent," he added.
Middle Order Anchors: Root & Gill
At No. 3, Chopra picked Joe Root, who had another excellent series and broke several records.
"At No. 3, I have kept Joe Root. He has scored valuable runs in this series. He has been that pillar and rock that England needed. He is batting at No. 4 otherwise, but I have kept his name at No. 3. I could have also kept Gill's name at No. 3."
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At No. 4, it’s none other than Indian skipper Shubman Gill, who had a record-breaking run in the series, scoring 754 runs at an average of over 75.
"Just like this team can't be made without Joe Root, it can't be made without Gill either. He has scored more than 750 runs. He is the highest run-scorer of the series, and by a considerable margin. However, his name is not there in some people's teams. How can that be the case?" Chopra asked.
Chopra’s Power Picks: Brook and Pant for the Middle Order
At No. 5 and 6, Chopra picked Rishabh Pant and Harry Brook — allowing flexibility in their batting positions. He particularly praised Pant’s resilience, including an innings played with a broken toe.
“I could have kept either Rishabh Pant or Harry Brook at No. 5. I have kept both in the team, and you can make them bat in whichever position you want. My keeper-batter is, of course, Rishabh Pant, who bats even with a broken foot. He has been outstanding."
For Brook, Chopra highlighted his consistent impact whenever England was under pressure.
“Everyone is saying that this guy is a generational player, and he is making Test cricket entertaining. It's the same thing about Harry Brook. He plays incredibly. Whenever England's chips are down, he is the one who comes good."
Ben Stokes as the All-Rounder at No. 7
At No. 7, Chopra slotted in Ben Stokes. Despite a decent run with the bat, Chopra was more impressed with Stokes’s bowling, which earned him Player of the Match awards in both the Lord’s and Manchester Tests.
"At No. 7, I have got Ben Stokes. He is slightly off-position. He should have been at No. 6, but I have kept him at No. 7. He has been outstanding. If he had played the last match, the result might have been different. He has scored runs, but the highlight was his bowling."
Jadeja Chosen Over Sundar for No. 8
At No. 8, Chopra picked Ravindra Jadeja, though he briefly considered Washington Sundar. He ultimately stuck with Jadeja for his consistent batting form.
"At No. 8, I have got Ravindra Jadeja. I was thinking about Washington Sundar also here, but I will have Ravindra Jadeja here. Jaddu has scored runs consistently. Of course, he hasn't taken too many wickets. He got fewer opportunities to take wickets as well, and spin hasn't done that well."
Bumrah and Siraj Lead the Pace Attack
For his frontline seamers at No. 9 and 10, Chopra chose Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Despite India not winning any matches that Bumrah played in, Chopra views him as an elite, generational bowler.
"I am keeping Jasprit Bumrah at No. 9 in my team. India didn't win any of the three matches he played. However, don't be under any illusion. He is a once-in-a-generation player."
Siraj, meanwhile, earned praise for his relentless spells and workload.
"Miyan Magic at No. 10, no shadow of doubt, considering the number of overs he bowled and the number of wickets he picked up with and without Bumrah. He has bowled more than 1100 balls and taken 23 wickets — brilliant."
Surprise Inclusion: Josh Tongue at No. 11
At No. 11, Chopra made a surprise yet formidable pick Josh Tongue. Despite playing only 3 Tests, Tongue topped England’s wicket charts and was selected ahead of notable names like Jofra Archer and Prasidh Krishna, who were included in Chopra’s special mentions.
"There are many honorable mentions here — Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and Jofra Archer. However, at No. 11, I am going to pick Josh Tongue. Sometimes he is wayward, but he picks up wickets. I am going with pure wickets here."
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Aakash Chopra's Combined India-England XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Joe Root, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Tongue
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