Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra noted that India might not make any substantial changes to their batting order after KL Rahul has continued to impress as an opener. However, Chopra suggested that Rohit can decide to bat at number three and push Shubman Gill in the middle order.
After Rahul has grabbed his opportunity as an opener, Rohit has decided to bat at number six. But the Indian captain has returned with scores of 3, 6, and 10 in the three innings against Australia and thus hasn’t been able to deliver the goods.
On the other hand, Shubman Gill got off to starts in the Adelaide Test but failed to convert them into substantial scores. Gill hasn’t gone past the 40-run mark in the last 16 Test innings while playing in overseas conditions.
“Nothing of that sort is going to happen and it shouldn’t happen as well. I totally understand that it’s been 16 innings for Shubman Gill since he has scored a 40-plus score outside Asia. It’s been a while. You have a lot of expectations from him that he will score runs, and things will change,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“However, will there be a change (to his place) – no. Can you leave out Rohit Sharma? Does anyone talk like that about the captain? However, Rohit can think of one thing, if he wishes. Come at No. 3 and send Shubman down the order,” Chopra added.
On the other hand, Sarfaraz Khan hasn’t received a single opportunity on the tour of Australia. The renowned commentator said he feels empathy for the youngster as he isn’t getting his chances.
“I have slight empathy for Sarfaraz. He could have been played in Perth but he was sidelined without a trial by fire, that he cannot work here. Whether he could have worked or not – again the jury is out,” he said in the same video.
Chopra noted that Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan will need to wait for their chances in India’s playing XI.
“I was also not very confident but how does my confidence make a difference? The truth is that you give a chance and then replace someone who doesn’t deliver. However, he didn’t get a chance and I don’t think he will get it as well. Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz will have to wait,” Chopra observed.
The fourth Test match between India and Australia will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground from 26th December.
