Aakash Chopra started by pointing out India is likely to make a couple of changes for the New Year’s Test, with Rohit Sharma coming into the team as an opener being one of them. He began the video by referring to the news that KL Rahul has been ruled out of the final two Tests due to an injury picked up during practice.
The reputed commentator observed that, contrary to Sunil Gavaskar’s opinion, he wants Rohit Sharma to open alongside Shubman Gill, with Mayank Agarwal making way for the newly appointed Indian Test vice-captain.
While acknowledging the decision might be slightly harsh on Agarwal, Aakash Chopra highlighted the Karnataka opener has not been his former confident self.
Aakash Chopra wants the Indian team to persist with Hanuma Vihari at the No.5 spot. He reasoned that the Andhra batsman has performed decently thus far on the tour.
Aakash Chopra mentioned that other than the change at the top of the order and the replacement required for the injured Umesh Yadav, the other nine players should retain their spots in the playing XI.
“My choice is Navdeep Saini” - Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra observed T Natarajan, Shardul Thakur and Navdeep Saini are in contention for the final seamer’s spot.
The 43-year old pointed out that while Natarajan’s left-arm angle might present a novelty factor, his limited experience in first-class cricket will go against him.
Aakash Chopra stated Navdeep Saini has a decent first-class record but his inclusion might give an inexperienced look to the Indian pace attack with Mohammed Siraj also being a new recruit.
Chopra highlighted Shardul Thakur is the most experienced of the trio at the first-class level although he was not an initial pick in the Indian squad for the Test series.
Aakash Chopra signed off by naming Saini as his pick while adding the Indian team could opt for Thakur instead.
The Indian team management might take a call between Navdeep Saini and Shardul Thakur as their final pace bowling option based on the nature of the pitch. The think-tank might opt for the Mumbai pacer if the conditions favour swing bowling but are likely to go for the lanky quick if it is a hard and bouncy surface.
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