Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra is out with his predictions even before the England vs India Test series has started. The Test series kicks off with the first Test at Headingley on May 20.
The Test series also starts a new World Test Championship cycle for both teams. England have never made it to the WTC cycle while India narrowly missed an opportunity after losses to New Zealand and Australia.
Shubman Gill is all set to lead the young Indian Test team after the likes of Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma are retired from Test cricket. Several former cricketers are saying that this new and young Indian team will be tested in England.
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Aakash Chopra Backs England To Win Test Series
Meanwhile, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra, while previewing the first Test, has come up with his early predictions. He predicts an Indian pacer to emerge as the highest wicket-taker. He also backed Joe Root to finish as the highest run-getter.
"Who will take the most wickets in this series? I think it could be an Indian. It could be Jasprit Bumrah, or it could be Prasidh Krishna. I am going with one of the two. I am not picking an English bowler," he said.
"The highest run-scorer for the series, I will say Joe Root. Although Joe Root and Bumrah's contest will be very interesting, considering the kind of form he is in and the kind of guy he is, I am saying Joe Root to be the highest run-scorer this series," he further added.
In the same video, Chopra further revealed the eventual winners of the Test series. He backed England to win the series 3-2.
"What could be the result of this series? If I talk realistically, 3-2 in favor of England. If India return after drawing the series, I will say well done. If they return after winning, I will say take a bow. I have kept my expectations tapered down slightly because it's a very young Indian team," he said.
He also explained the reason behind his opinion saying that the young Indian team might find it difficult to cope up with certain situations. He further said that this is a team in transition which will eventually be successful.
"When I think about it from that point of view, I feel they will stumble and fall at some places, but it's okay. You get the biggest joy of your life after labor pains. As a parent, I can tell you that. This transition is like that. There will be pain, problems, heartbreak, disappointment and dejection. If you just go through it, there is happiness on the other side," Chopra observed.
India last won a Test series in England in 2007 under Rahul Dravid's captaincy. The last Test series between the two sides in England ended in a 2-2 draw, and Shubman Gill and company will hope to do one better this time.
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India Last Won A Test Series in England In 2007
India last won a Test series in England under Rahul Dravid's leadership back in 2007. England lost to India 4-1, the last time they toured India in 2024. India, the last time they toured England in 2021, led the series 2-1 before the fifth Test was postponed.
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