Cricket

Aus vs Ind 2020: Shubman Gill should be preferred ahead of KL Rahul for Virat Kohli’s replacement in 2nd Test – Aakash Chopra

The Indian team will have big shoes to fill as their skipper Virat Kohli will return back to India to be with his wife for the birth of his first child.

There has been a lot of discussion regarding who should bat in the middle order in place of Virat Kohli in the second Test match. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes Shubman Gill should get the nod ahead of KL Rahul to fill Kohli’s place.

Chopra feels Rahul will do a better job if he is selected as an opener if Prithvi Shaw fails to deliver the goods at the top of the order. India have many opening options and it would be interesting to note who will open with Mayank Agarwal in the first Test match in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who has been ruled out of the first two Test matches.

Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul and Hanuma Vihari will all throw their hats in the ring for the opening slot. Both Gill and Shaw were dismissed without troubling the scorers in the first warm-up match against Australia A at Drummoyne Oval, Sydney. Vihari scored 15 runs whereas KL Rahul has been in sublime form in the white ball format.

Gill has done a fine job while playing for Punjab in first-class cricket and he has an average of 73.55, which is the most for any current player. Prithvi Shaw isn’t far behind as the prodigy batsman scores at an impressive average of 61.73.

Aakash Chopra said on his Facebook page, “If you are looking to bat someone in the middle order, I feel Shubman Gill should get the nod ahead of KL Rahul. If Prithvi Shaw fails or you want someone to open instead of Prithvi Shaw, if there is a spot as an opener, then KL Rahul.”

“But in the middle order batting, as they say to go by the rules, in terms of the pecking order Shubman Gill’s name after Virat Kohli is ahead of KL Rahul. So, in my opinion Shubman Gill will be my choice.”

There is no doubt that India will definitely miss the services of their full-time skipper Virat Kohli, who is also their best batsman. Kohli had scored 282 runs on the previous tour of Australia and his absence will be a massive hole. However, at the same time, it will be an opportunity for players like Shaw, Gill and Rahul to grab their opportunities.

The first Test match will take place at Adelaide Oval from December 17.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

India’s Junior Men Clinch Bronze with Gritty 2-1 Win Over Australia in Four Nations Tournament

The Indian junior men’s hockey team wrapped up their campaign at the Four Nations Tournament… Read More

June 26, 2025

Suryakumar Yadav Undergoes Successful Sports Hernia Surgery, Eyes Return for Bangladesh Tour

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has successfully undergone surgery for a sports hernia in his… Read More

June 26, 2025

Golden Glove Winner Jaspreet Singh Joins Bengaluru FC in Key Summer Move

Bengaluru FC have taken a decisive step toward rebuilding their squad by signing goalkeeper Jaspreet… Read More

June 26, 2025

Ravi Shastri says opening Test loss against England is a tough pill to swallow for India

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the opening Test loss against England is a… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says England batters’ approach made Jasprit Bumrah desperate for wickets in 2nd innings of 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes England batters were able to find a way… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says Karun Nair will be disappointed with his opening Test performance against England

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Karun Nair will be disappointed after he failed… Read More

June 26, 2025