Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Jasprit Bumrah will not play too many Test matches in the...
Aakash Chopra
| Name | Aakash Chopra |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 25/08/2025 |
| National Side | Indian |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium Right-arm off break |
| Role | Batsman |
| Spouse | Aakshi Chopra |
Ravichandran Ashwin recent remarks have stirred a debate around Chennai Super Kings’ mid-season acquisition of Dewald Brevis...
Aakash Chopra: Cricket Career, Commentary & Contributions
Aakash Chopra (born 19 September 1977) is a former Indian cricketer, cricket commentator, and popular YouTuber. Known for his stints as an opening batsman for India in Test cricket, Chopra made significant contributions in both domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). After his retirement, he carved a successful career as a cricket analyst and commentator, with his insightful commentary and analysis winning the hearts of cricket fans. He is also a prominent voice in Hindi commentary and continues to remain a key figure in the cricketing world.
Early Life & Background
Aakash Chopra was born in Agra, India, and began his cricket journey in his early years. He was initially introduced to the sport by his father and soon caught the attention of local selectors for his batting talent. A product of Delhi’s strong cricketing infrastructure, Chopra was mentored by some of the best coaches in the region. He was later selected to play for the Delhi cricket team and made his first-class debut at the age of 19.
From Delhi to International Debut
Chopra’s consistency in domestic cricket earned him a spot in the Indian national team. His Test debut came in late 2003, when India was looking for a partner for Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. Chopra impressed many with his solid technique and calm approach to the game. He made his Test debut against New Zealand in Ahmedabad in 2003 and played a key role in the Indian batting line-up for the next couple of years.
International Career: Tests & Contributions
Aakash Chopra’s international cricket career was primarily focused on Test cricket. He played in 10 Test matches, scoring 437 runs with a batting average of 23. Chopra’s best performances came during India’s 2003–2004 tours to Australia and Pakistan. He formed a formidable opening partnership with Virender Sehwag, and together, they provided India with some substantial partnerships. In the 2003–2004 Border–Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Chopra was crucial in setting up big scores, which helped India dominate Australia during the series.
Despite being part of some memorable series, Chopra’s international career was cut short due to his inconsistent performances and the emergence of other promising openers like Gautam Gambhir and Wasim Jaffer. However, his solid technique and contributions during his brief international career left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 10 | 437 | 23.00 | 55 |
Domestic Career: A Prominent Figure in Indian Cricket
In domestic cricket, Aakash Chopra had a remarkable career. He represented Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, leaving his mark as one of the most consistent batsmen in the domestic circuit. Chopra was an integral part of Delhi’s success in the Ranji Trophy and later helped Rajasthan win two Ranji titles. His ability to play long, patient innings made him a vital asset for any team.
Chopra’s performances in the Ranji Trophy earned him widespread recognition. He was not just known for his batting prowess, but also his leadership qualities. As the captain of Rajasthan, Chopra played a pivotal role in leading the team to victories.
IPL Career: Kolkata Knight Riders & Rajasthan Royals
Aakash Chopra’s IPL career began with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he played for the team during the first two seasons of the IPL. However, his slow scoring rate led to him being dropped from the team. Chopra was later signed by Rajasthan Royals in 2011. Despite his limited success in the T20 format, his cricketing experience and tactical knowledge made him a valuable player in the league.
| IPL Team | Seasons Played | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 2008-2009 | 6 | 53 | 8.83 | 110.25 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 2011 | 6 | 82 | 13.67 | 95.45 |
Retirement & Transition to Commentary
Aakash Chopra retired from all forms of cricket in 2015. Post-retirement, he shifted his focus to commentary and cricket analysis. Known for his insightful commentary, Chopra has worked with major media outlets, including Star Sports, and later with Viacom 18. His commentary style is highly regarded for its clarity, in-depth knowledge, and engaging style. Chopra’s work as a commentator has contributed to the growth of cricket’s visibility in India.
Commentary Career: Hindi Commentary for JioStar
Chopra currently serves as a Hindi commentator for JioStar, where he has garnered a massive following due to his entertaining style. His cricket commentary often includes one-liners and rhymes, similar to the legendary Navjot Singh Sidhu. Over the years, Chopra has established himself as one of the most sought-after cricket commentators in India.
In addition to working with JioStar, Chopra has provided commentary for various cricketing events, including the 2018–19 Australia vs India Test series for 7 Network and Sony Ten 2. His entertaining and insightful analysis has been praised by fans and experts alike. He also voiced Hindi commentary for the South African Twenty20 league, SA20, in 2023.
Media & Writing Career
In addition to his commentary career, Chopra is also a respected columnist. His columns have appeared regularly in publications such as ESPNcricinfo and Mid-Day, where he provides in-depth analysis and commentary on ongoing cricket series. Chopra’s insights into the game are highly regarded, and he often shares his expertise with his large following.
Chopra has also authored several books. His first book, Beyond the Blues: A First-Class Season Like No Other, which chronicled his 2007-2008 domestic season, received critical acclaim. He followed this up with Out of the Blue, which discussed Rajasthan’s triumph in the Ranji Trophy.
Books by Aakash Chopra:
-
Beyond the Blues (2009)
-
Out of the Blue (2011)
-
The Insider (2015)
-
Numbers Do Lie (2017)
YouTube Career
Aakash Chopra has a popular YouTube channel where he shares match reviews, cricket analysis, and previews. His channel, which covers both international and domestic cricket, is widely followed by fans who seek in-depth analysis and updates on cricketing events. Chopra’s YouTube channel is one of the go-to platforms for cricket enthusiasts.
Aakash Chopra’s cricketing journey, both on and off the field, has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days in domestic cricket to his brief but impactful international career, Chopra has proven himself as a gifted batsman. After his retirement, his contributions as a commentator, writer, and YouTuber have solidified his place in the cricketing world. Today, Chopra remains one of the most respected voices in Indian cricket, offering insights that continue to shape the way the game is viewed by millions of fans worldwide.
Aakash Chopra: Cricket Career, Commentary & Contributions
Aakash Chopra (born 19 September 1977) is a former Indian cricketer, cricket commentator, and popular YouTuber. Known for his stints as an opening batsman for India in Test cricket, Chopra made significant contributions in both domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL). After his retirement, he carved a successful career as a cricket analyst and commentator, with his insightful commentary and analysis winning the hearts of cricket fans. He is also a prominent voice in Hindi commentary and continues to remain a key figure in the cricketing world.
Early Life & Background
Aakash Chopra was born in Agra, India, and began his cricket journey in his early years. He was initially introduced to the sport by his father and soon caught the attention of local selectors for his batting talent. A product of Delhi’s strong cricketing infrastructure, Chopra was mentored by some of the best coaches in the region. He was later selected to play for the Delhi cricket team and made his first-class debut at the age of 19.
From Delhi to International Debut
Chopra’s consistency in domestic cricket earned him a spot in the Indian national team. His Test debut came in late 2003, when India was looking for a partner for Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. Chopra impressed many with his solid technique and calm approach to the game. He made his Test debut against New Zealand in Ahmedabad in 2003 and played a key role in the Indian batting line-up for the next couple of years.
International Career: Tests & Contributions
Aakash Chopra’s international cricket career was primarily focused on Test cricket. He played in 10 Test matches, scoring 437 runs with a batting average of 23. Chopra’s best performances came during India’s 2003–2004 tours to Australia and Pakistan. He formed a formidable opening partnership with Virender Sehwag, and together, they provided India with some substantial partnerships. In the 2003–2004 Border–Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Chopra was crucial in setting up big scores, which helped India dominate Australia during the series.
Despite being part of some memorable series, Chopra’s international career was cut short due to his inconsistent performances and the emergence of other promising openers like Gautam Gambhir and Wasim Jaffer. However, his solid technique and contributions during his brief international career left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 10 | 437 | 23.00 | 55 |
Domestic Career: A Prominent Figure in Indian Cricket
In domestic cricket, Aakash Chopra had a remarkable career. He represented Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, leaving his mark as one of the most consistent batsmen in the domestic circuit. Chopra was an integral part of Delhi’s success in the Ranji Trophy and later helped Rajasthan win two Ranji titles. His ability to play long, patient innings made him a vital asset for any team.
Chopra’s performances in the Ranji Trophy earned him widespread recognition. He was not just known for his batting prowess, but also his leadership qualities. As the captain of Rajasthan, Chopra played a pivotal role in leading the team to victories.
IPL Career: Kolkata Knight Riders & Rajasthan Royals
Aakash Chopra’s IPL career began with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he played for the team during the first two seasons of the IPL. However, his slow scoring rate led to him being dropped from the team. Chopra was later signed by Rajasthan Royals in 2011. Despite his limited success in the T20 format, his cricketing experience and tactical knowledge made him a valuable player in the league.
| IPL Team | Seasons Played | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 2008-2009 | 6 | 53 | 8.83 | 110.25 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 2011 | 6 | 82 | 13.67 | 95.45 |
Retirement & Transition to Commentary
Aakash Chopra retired from all forms of cricket in 2015. Post-retirement, he shifted his focus to commentary and cricket analysis. Known for his insightful commentary, Chopra has worked with major media outlets, including Star Sports, and later with Viacom 18. His commentary style is highly regarded for its clarity, in-depth knowledge, and engaging style. Chopra’s work as a commentator has contributed to the growth of cricket’s visibility in India.
Commentary Career: Hindi Commentary for JioStar
Chopra currently serves as a Hindi commentator for JioStar, where he has garnered a massive following due to his entertaining style. His cricket commentary often includes one-liners and rhymes, similar to the legendary Navjot Singh Sidhu. Over the years, Chopra has established himself as one of the most sought-after cricket commentators in India.
In addition to working with JioStar, Chopra has provided commentary for various cricketing events, including the 2018–19 Australia vs India Test series for 7 Network and Sony Ten 2. His entertaining and insightful analysis has been praised by fans and experts alike. He also voiced Hindi commentary for the South African Twenty20 league, SA20, in 2023.
Media & Writing Career
In addition to his commentary career, Chopra is also a respected columnist. His columns have appeared regularly in publications such as ESPNcricinfo and Mid-Day, where he provides in-depth analysis and commentary on ongoing cricket series. Chopra’s insights into the game are highly regarded, and he often shares his expertise with his large following.
Chopra has also authored several books. His first book, Beyond the Blues: A First-Class Season Like No Other, which chronicled his 2007-2008 domestic season, received critical acclaim. He followed this up with Out of the Blue, which discussed Rajasthan’s triumph in the Ranji Trophy.
Books by Aakash Chopra:
-
Beyond the Blues (2009)
-
Out of the Blue (2011)
-
The Insider (2015)
-
Numbers Do Lie (2017)
YouTube Career
Aakash Chopra has a popular YouTube channel where he shares match reviews, cricket analysis, and previews. His channel, which covers both international and domestic cricket, is widely followed by fans who seek in-depth analysis and updates on cricketing events. Chopra’s YouTube channel is one of the go-to platforms for cricket enthusiasts.
Aakash Chopra’s cricketing journey, both on and off the field, has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days in domestic cricket to his brief but impactful international career, Chopra has proven himself as a gifted batsman. After his retirement, his contributions as a commentator, writer, and YouTuber have solidified his place in the cricketing world. Today, Chopra remains one of the most respected voices in Indian cricket, offering insights that continue to shape the way the game is viewed by millions of fans worldwide.