A right-handed batsman hailing from Delhi, Aakash Chopra started his career with Delhi's Sonnet Cricket Club. An opening batsman of the classic mold, Chopra was a perfect partner to Virender Sehwag. After making his Test debut in 2003, he was one of the vital parts of an Indian team that retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy in Australia in 2004. He was tasked with seeing off the new ball and making it playable for India's established middle-order. However, the lack of big scores and the emergence of players like Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif meant that he was sidelined to the fringes of the Indian team. Chopra was known for his fielding skills as well. The 2004 home series against Australia saw the last time he played for India in Tests. A series victory for Australia saw him being permanently replaced by Gautam Gambhir. Chopra had an incredible year in domestic cricket in 2007. After scoring a double-century against South Africa A for India A, he scored 783 runs in Delhi's successful Ranji campaign. He scored 332 runs in the Duleep Trophy as well. His impressive performances in 2007 led Kolkata Knight Riders to sign him for the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008.