Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes India won’t change their playing XI for the second Test match against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. India had registered a comprehensive innings and 140-run win at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
The renowned commentator highlighted that India won’t drop Nitish Kumar Reddy. The all-rounder bowled only four overs in the first innings of the opening Test but didn’t get a chance to bat.
India played with six bowling options at Ahmedabad and Chopra reckons it is more than enough against the West Indies.
“Do India need to make any changes? I would say if ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Generally, you make changes based on the conditions, but what will you change in this team? I don’t think you can actually change anything,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“Nitish Kumar Reddy didn’t get to bat in the first match. He bowled four overs and you had kept him at No. 8. You won’t drop him, that the pitch is flat, so you play one more bowler. How many bowlers will you play? You already have six options,” he added.
Chopra reckons Prasidh Krishna can replace Jasprit Bumrah if the latter is rested for the second Test.
“Six bowlers are already playing. You don’t need more than that. There could be only one tactical change. If Bumrah needs rest, you might play Prasidh Krishna in his place, but that’s about it. I won’t change a single thing. If something is working fine, let it work fine,” he observed.
Meanwhile, the former Delhi cricketer urged the team management to give batting opportunity to Nitish Kumar Reddy in the second Test.
“Try to get Nitish Kumar Reddy to bat because if you are playing someone, give him a chance at least, because two matches will pass, and suddenly you will feel that this guy hasn’t done anything, that we haven’t given him any work at all, and played him in the next match,” he said.
“He is not there only to take flying catches. Other jobs also need to be done. So I am thinking no changes whatsoever,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.
The second Test match between India and the West Indies will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi from Friday.
