Cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra, ahead of the Boxing Day Test, predicted the inclusion of KL Rahul and Shubman Gill in the second Test against Australia. At the same time, he also feels that KL Rahul should open the inning with Mayank Agarwal.
However, the former Indian opener also feels that one between KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal will be excluded from the playing XI in the third Test as Rohit Sharma, who is currently serving mandatory 14-day quarantine, will be available for the selection in the playing XI. Sharma is an experienced player and he has some good records in Test cricket. This makes Chopra believe that one who fails between Agarwal, Rahul and GIll, will make way for the start star batsman.
“It looks like Prithvi Shaw is not going to get a chance in the second match. And I can totally understand because he has not scored the runs and his confidence is down. If the team says it is short-term and it doesn’t mean he will not be considered in the future, they can definitely do that. They should play someone who is in the right mental space and who they feel can provide a good start,” said Chopra in his latest video.
My Vote Is With KL Rahul: Aakash Chopra
“My vote is with KL Rahul but they are likely to go with Shubman Gill. But whether you open with KL Rahul or Shubman Gill, the sword will be hanging over their head as Rohit Sharma will be back for the next Test,” he added.
“So Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, whoever fails here, is going to be dropped for the third Test. I feel Ajinkya Rahane should come to bat at No.4. At No.5, you can play KL Rahul or Shubman Gill. Rahul and Shubman Gill will definitely be playing the Melbourne Test,” said Chopra.
Team India is going to play their second Test against Australia from December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Here it is worth noting that the regular captain of Team India, Virat Kohli will not be available for the rest of the Test series, as he has already headed back to India to be with his wife Anushka Sharma who is going to give birth to their first child in January.
Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team India in Kohli’s absence. Many cricket experts and analysts also feel that Rahane should come to bat at number 4 in Kohli’s absence.