Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra feels it is important for the team to play together and continuously ahead of the all-important World Cup. India has decided to rest key players like skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav for the first two ODIs against Australia.
In the absence of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul will lead the team against the Aussies in the first two games. In fact, Chopra noted that India’s A-team hasn’t played together due to injuries to Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul.
It is imperative for the team to play together to have the right chemistry before the all-important World Cup.
“I feel it is important for the team to play together and continuously at that. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened due to injury issues to players like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
The 46-year-old further added the team’s two main batters – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – have been rested consistently in the recent past.
“In between, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested a lot. They did not play in entire August. In fact, after the IPL, they haven’t played a lot. They played the WTC final. In the two Test matches (in West Indies), there were 6-8 days of cricket and nothing after that. From June till end of September, they have not played a lot of cricket. If they had played together, it would have been good. That’s my personal opinion,” Chopra elaborated.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer could only play two matches in the Asia Cup, scoring 14 runs against Pakistan whereas he didn’t get to bat against Nepal. Iyer then could not play due to a back spasm and he will look to grab his chance against Australia. The reputed commentator feels the Australia series will be a good opportunity for Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma.
“The series against Australia is a significant opportunity for Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma as well if he gets a chance. It’s also a big opportunity for Shreyas Iyer, who did not play in the Asia Cup final. There is still time as teams can make changes to their World Cup squad till September 27. A lot will depend on the first two ODIs,” he said.
The first ODI between India and Australia will be played at Mohali on Friday.
