As the cricketing world turns its attention to the ongoing England vs. India Test series in 2025, former Indian opener and commentator Aakash Chopra has ignited a passionate discussion with his selection of India’s all-time Test XI. Shared on his YouTube channel ahead of the second Test at Edgbaston, starting July 2, 2025, Chopra’s lineup is a blend of cricketing legends from different eras, featuring Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Kapil Dev, Ravichandran Ashwin, Anil Kumble, Jasprit Bumrah, and Zaheer Khan. Notably absent is MS Dhoni, India’s celebrated former captain and wicketkeeper, whose exclusion has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. This article explores Chopra’s selections, the rationale behind his choices, and the implications of omitting Dhoni, while delving into the context of the 2025 Edgbaston Test.
The Context: India vs. England at Edgbaston
The 2025 England vs. India Test series, part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, is a five-match contest that has already seen intense action. India suffered a five-wicket defeat in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, despite posting over 800 runs, including centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant. England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach, led by Ben Stokes, capitalized on India’s bowling struggles, particularly with Jasprit Bumrah’s potential absence for the second Test due to workload management concerns. The Edgbaston Test, starting July 2, is critical for India to level the series under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, with Gautam Gambhir’s coaching tenure under scrutiny after recent Test losses.
Chopra’s all-time XI selection comes at a time when India’s Test team is navigating a transitional phase, blending young talents like Pant and Jaiswal with experienced players like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. The exclusion of Dhoni, a figure synonymous with Indian cricket’s golden era, has sparked debate about legacy, performance metrics, and the evolving role of wicketkeepers in Test cricket.
Aakash Chopra’s All-Time India Test XI
Position | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunil Gavaskar | Opener |
| 2 | Virender Sehwag | Opener |
| 3 | Rahul Dravid | Batsman |
| 4 | Sachin Tendulkar | Batsman |
| 5 | Virat Kohli (c) | Batsman |
| 6 | Rishabh Pant (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| 7 | Kapil Dev | All-Rounder |
| 8 | Ravichandran Ashwin | Spinner |
| 9 | Anil Kumble | Spinner |
| 10 | Jasprit Bumrah | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Zaheer Khan | Fast Bowler |
The Top Order: Gavaskar, Sehwag, Dravid, and Tendulkar
Chopra’s top order is a masterclass in balance and brilliance. Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag form an iconic opening pair, combining Gavaskar’s technical mastery and defensive solidity with Sehwag’s explosive aggression. “You can’t look beyond two openers whose names are Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag,” Chopra stated, emphasizing their complementary styles. Gavaskar’s 10,122 Test runs at an average of 51.12, including 34 centuries, set the benchmark for Indian openers, while Sehwag’s 8,586 runs at 49.34, with 23 centuries, redefined attacking batting.
At number three, Rahul Dravid, known as “The Wall,” is an automatic choice with 13,288 runs at 52.31, including 36 centuries. His ability to anchor innings in challenging conditions, particularly in England, makes him indispensable. Sachin Tendulkar, at number four, is equally non-negotiable, with 15,921 runs at 53.78 and 51 centuries. Chopra called Tendulkar’s inclusion “as simple as it gets,” referring to him as “Paaji” and the “God” of Indian cricket.
Middle Order: Kohli and Pant
Virat Kohli slots in at number five and is named captain, a nod to his 8,848 runs at 47.83 and his leadership in taking India to the top of the ICC Test rankings in 2016. Chopra acknowledged competition from VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly but chose Kohli for his consistency and impact. “You could have tried to keep Kohli’s name at No. 4 too, but you won’t be able to keep it ahead of Paaji,” Chopra noted, highlighting Kohli’s indispensable role.
The most controversial pick is Rishabh Pant at number six as the wicketkeeper-batsman, edging out MS Dhoni. Pant, with 3,200 runs in 44 Tests at an average of 44.44, including eight centuries, has emerged as a game-changer. His seven Test centuries, three in England, surpass Dhoni’s six, and his strike rate of 73.69 reflects his aggressive approach. Chopra justified Pant’s selection, stating, “If the guy becomes part of India’s all-time Test XI at 25 years of age, you doff your hat. He is worth his weight in gold.”
All-Rounder and Bowling Attack: Kapil, Ashwin, Kumble, Bumrah, and Zaheer
Kapil Dev, at number seven, is the seam-bowling all-rounder, with 5,248 runs and 434 wickets in 131 Tests. His ability to swing matches with bat and ball makes him a cornerstone of the XI. Ravichandran Ashwin and Anil Kumble form a formidable spin duo at numbers eight and nine. Ashwin’s 531 wickets and Kumble’s 619 wickets, including their match-winning performances in home conditions, make them natural choices. Chopra noted Ashwin’s “sheer weight of performances” and Kumble’s 600-plus wickets as decisive factors.
The pace attack comprises Jasprit Bumrah and Zaheer Khan. Bumrah, one of two current players in the XI, is lauded for his rapid rise and 176 wickets in 39 Tests (as of June 2025). Zaheer’s 311 wickets, with his left-arm angle and knack for breakthroughs, edged out Javagal Srinath. “Zaheer Khan because you get a left-armer. He has picked up a lot of wickets,” Chopra explained.
Why No MS Dhoni?
MS Dhoni’s exclusion is the headline-grabbing aspect of Chopra’s XI. Dhoni, India’s most successful Test captain with 27 wins in 60 Tests, scored 4,876 runs at 38.09, with six centuries, and effected 294 dismissals as a wicketkeeper. His leadership took India to the top of the ICC Test rankings in 2009, and his calm demeanor earned him the moniker “Captain Cool.”
However, Chopra’s preference for Pant hinges on the latter’s superior batting metrics and modern Test demands. Pant’s eight centuries in 44 Tests outstrip Dhoni’s six in 90, and his average of 44.44 is higher than Dhoni’s 38.09. Pant’s ability to dominate in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia), with five centuries, including three in England, gives him an edge. Dhoni’s Test average outside Asia (29) and lack of centuries in key overseas conditions, like the West Indies, have been cited as limitations.
Critics argue Dhoni’s leadership and glove work are unmatched. His 294 dismissals dwarf Pant’s 138, and his tactical acumen, like the 2013 Champions Trophy final at Edgbaston, showcased his brilliance. Yet, Chopra emphasized Pant’s youth and potential, noting, “When I had made the team three or four years ago, I had kept MS Dhoni’s name. However, now I feel you have to put Rishabh Pant.” Ravichandran Ashwin also dismissed direct comparisons, stating, “Pant bats at No. 5, unlike Dhoni in Tests. He’s a frontline batter, more akin to Virat Kohli.”
The Debate: Dhoni vs. Pant
The Dhoni-Pant debate reflects evolving expectations for wicketkeepers in Test cricket. Historically, keepers like Dhoni prioritized glove work and lower-order contributions, batting at No. 7 or 8. Pant, however, is a frontline batsman at No. 5, with a strike rate and century count rivaling top-order players. Sanjay Manjrekar, after Pant’s 2025 Headingley century, called him India’s greatest wicketkeeper-batter, citing his 134 off 178 balls in testing conditions.
Dhoni’s supporters highlight his intangibles—leadership, composure, and ability to rescue innings, like his 71 at Old Trafford in 2014 when India were 8-4. His Test record, while not as prolific as his ODI feats (10,773 runs at 50.57), includes iconic moments like the 2013 Chennai Test century against Australia. However, Pant’s ability to change games, like his 146 at Edgbaston in 2022, aligns with modern Test cricket’s aggressive ethos.
Edgbaston 2025: A Test of India’s Resolve
Chopra’s XI is a hypothetical exercise, but it underscores the stakes at Edgbaston. With Bumrah potentially rested, India may turn to Arshdeep Singh or Akash Deep, who trained extensively in nets, hinting at reverse-swing preparations. Pant’s vice-captaincy and recent form (134 at Headingley) make him a linchpin, while Kohli’s experience will be crucial. England, buoyed by their Leeds win and Stokes’ leadership, will test India’s resilience.
Chopra’s exclusion of Dhoni reflects a forward-looking approach, prioritizing Pant’s dynamic batting over Dhoni’s historical contributions. While Dhoni’s legacy as a captain and keeper remains unmatched, Pant’s emergence signals a new era. As India battles at Edgbaston, the debate over Chopra’s XI will continue to fuel discussions among fans, celebrating the rich tapestry of Indian Test cricket.
