Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons the second Test match against the West Indies will be an important one for Sai Sudharsan. The left-hander was dismissed after scoring only seven runs in the first innings of the opening Test at Ahmedabad.
The southpaw has managed only 147 runs in four Test matches at an average of 21 and thus he has failed to grab his opportunity with both hands. Chopra highlighted that Sudharsan might once again get only one inning in the Delhi Test and he would need to prove his mettle against a bleak West Indies’ side.
“For whom will this be a very important game? I would say for Sai Sudharsan. I am not saying Sai Sudharsan is about to be dropped. He won’t be. He is unfortunate that when you are playing at home, especially when the West Indies are in front of you, only two innings come in two matches. He might get only one inning here also,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“If that’s the case, it is a bit of a travesty that you aren’t getting enough chances, although two Tests will pass quickly. So this is a very important Test series for Sai Sudharsan. One match has passed, in which he got one inning. Only one inning might come here too, but he has to make it count so that there is less pressure on him against South Africa,” he added.
On the other hand, West Indies were bowled out for 162 and 146 in the opening Test of the series and Chopra is hoping for a better show from the visitors with the bat.
“What can be expected from the West Indies? A little better fight. Since the pitch is good, apply yourself a little more. Convert your hope into belief. They will have to score runs. They will have to bat a little longer,” he said.
However, the renowned commentator is not hoping for a fighting effort with the ball from the tourists.
“I am not expecting too much from bowling. You got only five players out on a slightly helpful pitch, and we scored so many runs. What will happen if the pitch is slightly flatter here? There might be a little more help for fast bowling. So Jayden Seales, Justin Greaves and Johann Layne might ask a few tough questions, although the catches won’t carry till slip,” Chopra elaborated.
The second Test match between India and the West Indies will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi from Friday.
