Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has picked India’s playing XI for the one-off Test match against Afghanistan. There was no place for Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal in Chopra’s team.
The renowned commentator picked Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as openers for the upcoming Test match. The former Delhi cricketer backed Sai Sudharsan at one drop after assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate said they would give a long rope to the number three batter.
“The Indian XI could be like this – Yashasvi Jaiswal with KL Rahul, who is now the vice-captain, and I will play Sai Sudharsan at No. 3. I want to play Sai because if I don’t play him today and play Devdutt instead, I would drop him the day after tomorrow, as it’s been a game of musical chairs these days,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
Chopra said India has been changing and chopping their number three batter and they need to back Sai Sudharsan.
“We played Sai, then played Karun Nair, then Sai, and then Washington Sundar in his place, then Sai in place of Washi, and if we play Devdutt Padikkal in place of Sai, then if we go back to Sai again or play Dhruv Jurel, we will not end this cycle. Play a punt on one guy and stick with him for a long time,” he elaborated.
The former Delhi batter said Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant will bat at number four and five respectively. According to Chopra, the two all-rounders – Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy to bat at numer six and seven respectively.
“Captain Gill at No. 4, and Rishabh Pant, who is no longer the vice-captain, at No. 5. Then at No. 6 and No. 7, you will find Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy,” Chopra observed.
The reputed commentator India can play either Harsh Dubey or Manav Suthar as both can also contribute with the bat.
“One option could be to play Harsh Dubey. He also provides you with batting. You will get another batting option, although you need to stop thinking about batting when you are picking bowlers. Think only about bowling when you are picking bowlers. So there could be a chance for one of Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar here, whoever you feel can do a better job,” he said.
Chopra said India will certainly play the trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
“Then Kuldeep Yadav. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj are certain. After that, you have to see the pitch. I feel one guy’s debut is confirmed here, whether it’s Harsh Dubey, Manav Suthar, or Gurnoor Brar, because you will either play with three fast bowlers or three outright spinners,” Chopra concluded.
The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan will be played at New Chandigarh from Saturday onwards.
