Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on India’s lower-order batting woes. India lost the opening Test against England at Leeds, Headingley, by five wickets and the visitors could not grab their chances.
The visitors’ lower order crumbled like a pack of cards in the opening Test. The tourists’ lost 7-41 in the first innings and lost the last six wickets for 31 runs in the second essay as the lower order could not show stomach for a fight.
The renowned commentator said it is not fair to compare eras as India also lost Test matches under former Indian captain Virat Kohli’s captaincy.
“Firstly, any two eras are different, and let’s not compare the two. It’s not necessary that whatever happened at one time should happen at another time as well, especially when you are going through a transition. We might not have had that much depth in batting earlier, but there was a lot of pedigree and experience. You had a very, very dependable batting order,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“So it was okay even if the tail didn’t wag. However, it’s not that it has never wagged. The need of the hour now is that everyone needs to contribute. It’s a two-sided problem. You also need to have the bowling that can blow away the opposing team’s tail. I would say stop comparing. It’s not that we haven’t lost Tests under Kohli’s captaincy. We lose under everyone’s captaincy,” he added.
The former Delhi cricketer was asked if bowlers like Yash Dayal, Mayank Yadav, and Anshul Kamboj should be given their chances at the top level.
“Since you have taken these names, I will talk about them. Mayank Yadav is not fully fit. So how will you be able to invest in him? Yash Dayal is still a work in progress. So he will also take time to come. I do agree that Anshul Kamboj is next in line,” he replied.
The cricketer-turned commentator added India should invest in Khaleel Ahmed and Umran Malik.
“I want you to ask Khaleel to play days’ cricket. Invest a little in Umran Malik because he has got pace. He has got something that most people do not have. Pace, either you have it or you don’t. We need to invest in the next line of fast bowlers and spinners because, suddenly, there is going to be a huge void,” Chopra observed.
The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.
