Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes the one-off Test match against Afghanistan will present a great opportunities to young Indian players. Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar and Gurnoor Brar had received their maiden calls-up to the Test team and one among the trio is expected to get his debut cap.
Chopra said the player, who would get his chance, would look to grab the opportunity with both hands against Afghanistan as the experience duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel is expected to return to the Test squad after this game. While Dubey and Suthar played in the IPL for SRH and GT respectively, Brar was not picked by any team.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “Whether it’s Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar, or Harsh Dubey, one of those three would get a chance. It will be an extremely important game for them because one doesn’t get such chances repeatedly, and one of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, or both, might return in the team for the next Test match.”
Chopra said Washington Sundar has the opportunity to prove his mettle in the absence of Jadeja and Axar Patel.
“Washington Sundar, the bowler. I am not talking about the batter at all. I need his bowling because spinners aren’t all-rounders. Spinners’ first job is to pick up wickets. Do that job first. Then whatever you get in batting is a plus, but I want to see wickets with Washi. Jaddu and Axar haven’t even been picked for this match. So you want Washi to come and pick up wickets,” he observed.
The renowned commentator said it would be imperative for Sai Sudharsan to score runs while batting at one drop. Sudharsan hasn’t yet nailed the number three spot after 11 innings.
“It’s a massive opportunity for Sai Sudharsan. Make your name and score runs. If you don’t score runs, you will once again become a part of the same cycle because the next Test match will be in August against Sri Lanka, and they will play on a rank turner. So you need some confidence to go there,” he said.
The former Delhi cricketer said it would be crucial for Rishabh Pant to score runs after having a mundane IPL 2026 season for LSG.
“Rishabh Pant will have to score runs for the simple reason that he has been demoted now. For no rhyme or reason, he has been demoted from vice-captaincy in Test cricket. His numbers are excellent. You have been penalized because you didn’t score runs elsewhere. Your vice-captaincy has been taken away,” Chopra observed.
The one-off Test match between India and Afghanistan will be played at New Chandigarh from Saturday onwards.
