He made this observation while responding to fan questions about India’s likely bowling combination in the Test series in a video shared on his YouTube channel.
Aakash Chopra replied in the negative when asked if Ashwin and Jadeja can play together in all four Test matches against Australia. He reasoned that the grassy pitch for the pink-ball Test would not allow two spinners to be played.
Aakash Chopra picked Ravichandran Ashwin as the likely Indian spinner for the first Test match, considering Jadeja’s injury and Kuldeep Yadav not being amongst the wickets in the warm-up encounter.
The reputed commentator added that he doesn’t see the spin duo playing together in any of the Test matches.
Aakash Chopra favours the Indian team going in with three pacers and a solitary spinner, with Hanuma Vihari being the part-time option.
Aakash Chopra on the third seamer India should play
Aakash Chopra was further asked about his choice of the third seamer to support Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. He responded that he wishes Navdeep Saini to be given that role.
However, the former Indian opener pointed out that Umesh Yadav might be the first in the pecking order. The Vidarbha pacer has more experience bowling in Australian conditions and did well in the first warm-up match as well.
Aakash Chopra added that the Delhi pacer will get the chance to showcase his potential in the second warm-up match.
Aakash Chopra signed off by opining that he would opt for Saini if the latter does well in that encounter. He reasoned that the lanky speedster’s methods are more suited to the longest version of the game.
Umesh Yadav is certainly the favourite to play the first Test match as the third pacer for India. But as mentioned by Aakash Chopra, an excellent performance by Navdeep Saini or even Mohammed Siraj in the warm-up match, which starts on December 11, could put them in the reckoning for the spot.
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