Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has urged KL Rahul to continue his rich form and capitalise in the ongoing home season. Rahul had scored 532 runs in five Test matches on the England tour at an average of 53.20. The flamboyant batter continued his rich form as he scored a match-winning knock of 176 runs against Australia A in the second unofficial Test at Lucknow.
The Indian opener scored a fine knock of 100 runs off 197 balls against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This was Rahul’s 11th Test century and only his second in home conditions. Rahul showed all the patience against the Windies bowlers and batted at the top of his game.
The flamboyant has an average of 35.41 in Test cricket and Chopra urged the batter to stretch his average past 40.
“In my opinion, this is a very important series for KL Rahul, an average of 35 does not suit him at all. It is wrong, and if he needs to better it, then he has to write his name in this series, and he batted in that way today. The backfoot punch that he plays, no one in international cricket plays it better than him. Through this series and the South Africa one, Rahul has to boost his average to 42 to 45,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 36 runs off 54 balls but could not convert his start into a substantial score as he was caught behind by Shai Hope.
“Yashasvi looked good at the crease. He is a player who likes the cut, so he was able to make the runs, and was free-flowing as well, but one outside edge ended his stay,” Chopra added.
On the other hand, Chopra questioned India’s playing combination against the West Indies. The renowned commentator reckons India doesn’t need six bowlers against the visitors.
“This was India’s chance to play six batters. India went for a lot of bowling, six bowling options. Personally, I feel that you don’t need six bowlers against a team like the West Indies. Five is more than enough. It was a chance for India to bring in Padikkal. They just love all-rounders. India should bat the whole day tomorrow, and for a little while on Day 3, bat so much that you only need to bat once,” Chopra opined.
India are 251-4 after lunch break on the second day.
