Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has picked India’s playing XI for the fifth Test match against England at the Kennington Oval, London. Surprisingly, Chopra didn’t pick Washington Sundar in his final XI despite the left-hander’s consistent performances.
Sundar scored an unbeaten knock of 101 runs in the second innings at Old Trafford and played a key role in helping India draw the fourth Test. The off-spinner had also returned with figures of 4-18 in the second innings at Lord’s.
Chopra picked Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, and Shubman Gill as his top four.
“The openers will be the same who were there in the last four matches – Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. There shouldn’t be any question about No. 3, although the jury is still out on Sai Sudharsan. However, I am saying keep Sai at No. 3. Shubman Gill at No. 4, a question shouldn’t be asked at all,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
Dhruv Jurel is all set to replace injured Rishabh Pant and he would take the wicket-keeping duties
“At No. 5, there wouldn’t have been any tension if Rishabh Pant had been there. Dhruv Jurel will come, but will you keep Jurel at No. 5 in Rishabh’s place and play the same team as the last game, which means Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) at No. 6, Sundar at No. 7, and Shardul (Thakur) at No. 8? Will we do the same thing again?” he observed.
Chopra wants India to back specialist batters and urged the team’s think to play Karun Nair in the final XI.
“You can’t even draw the series if you don’t win this match. You need to take 20 wickets, and for that, you will have to put a little pressure on your batting. Now enough of all-rounders, get proper batters. I am saying vote for Karun Nair. Keep him at No. 5 and Dhruv Jurel at No. 6,” Chopra elaborated.
The renowned commentator wants Kuldeep Yadav to be part of the playing XI. Yadav has been ignored in the first four Test matches despite an impressive record against England.
“After that, keep Ravindra Jadeja. That makes it seven batters. That is where you stop. Then play four proper bowlers, with Jaddu as the fifth bowler. I am convinced that only one of Washi and Jaddu can play, and Shardul shouldn’t be playing this game. I feel playing Kuldeep Yadav is imperative,” he noted.
Chopra wants Mohammed Siraj to play in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who would be rested to manage his workload.
“After that, three fast bowlers, of which one is Mohammed Siraj. If Bumrah had been fit and had played, I would have said that Siraj can be rested. However, you cannot do that now. Siraj plays all matches, and I am asking him to play the fifth match as well,” he said.
The former Delhi cricketer wants Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh to be the other fast bowlers in the team.
“I have heard that Akash Deep has become fit now. So, if he is fit, he will play. I will give the last spot to Arshdeep Singh. To be fair, there is a toss-up between Arshdeep and Prasidh Krishna. Prasidh Krishna played in the one match we won, but it’s been heard that Arshdeep Singh might get his debut here, which is okay,” Chopra observed.
Aakash Chopra’s playing XI for fifth Test against England: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh.
