Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has revealed India’s top six for the opening Test against England. The renowned commentator reckons it could be a breakout series for in-form KL Rahul. Chopra backed Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings against England.
The duo had also opened the innings on the Australian tour. Meanwhile, Rahul scored a fine century against England Lions in the second unofficial Test and also got runs in the intra-squad match.
“Based on all the practice sessions and side games we have seen thus far, it’s clear that KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the two openers. There is no argument whatsoever about there being any scope for a change there. There is no reason to change it as well,” Chopra said on YouTube Channel.
“KL Rahul is playing extremely well. He had himself volunteered to play the second match. He went there and scored a century, scored a fifty in the second innings, and scored runs in the intra-squad match as well. It could be a breakout series for him, where he just doesn’t start well, but bats well throughout the series,” he added.
But, Jaiswal hasn’t been in the best of forms and he would look to turn the tables against England.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal will be there with him. I am not worried or concerned, but he hasn’t scored runs thus far, whether it was the side games or the intra-squad match, and it’s his first England series. Questions will be asked and more questions will be asked at the Leeds ground,” Chopra observed.
Chopra backed newly appointed captain Shubman Gill to bat at number four despite no official statement.
“Shubman Gill used to play at No. 3. He hasn’t said thus far that he won’t play at No. 3. If the captain wants to continue playing at No. 3, it’s his number. He had only asked for this number. He can go from No. 3 to No. 4, but there is no such news thus far. However, I feel he will go,” he said.
The reputed commentator said in-form Sai Sudharsan would pip Karun Nair at the number three position.
“There will be a toss-up between Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair at No. 3. Karun Nair can play at No. 3, but he doesn’t play at No. 3 even for his Ranji Trophy team. He has scored runs against this team, but not at No. 3. I am still saying Sai Sudarshan at No. 3 as a slight outside chance,” Chopra elaborated.
Chopra backed vice-captain Rishabh Pant and Karun Nair to bat at number five and six respectively.
“Then Shubman Gill at No. 4 and Rishabh Pant at No. 5. At No. 6, I think Karun Nair. I feel the team might go a little conservative in the first match. The ambitious plan would be to keep Nitish Kumar Reddy at No. 6, and then Ravindra Jadeja plus four fast bowlers,” he observed.
The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.
