Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has backed the duo of Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan to deliver the goods for India. The renowned commentator added that Patidar and Khan have the experience of playing in spin-conducive conditions in the domestic circuit.
Khan has amassed 3912 runs at an average of 69.85 in 45 first-class games and recently scored a fine knock of 161 runs off just 160 balls against England Lions in the second unofficial Test for India A.
On the other hand, Rajat Patidar has amassed 4000 runs in 55 first-class matches at an average of 45.97. With Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul being ruled out of the second Test match, either Khan or Patidar can make their Test debut at Vizag.
After Jadeja and Rahul were ruled out, the selectors added Sarfaraz Khan, Saurabh Kumar, and Washington Sundar to the squad. Patidar, on the other hand, was added after Virat Kohli pulled out due to personal reasons.
“Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan add lot a value. They play well in spin-friendly pitches and have scored a lot of runs in the Ranji Trophy. They are not coming from international white-ball cricket, which tends to weaken your defence. They are match ready and that is good news for India. They can put England’s spin bowling under pressure,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra feels Khan should be preferred ahead of Rajat Patidar in the second Test match as he can play the sweep shot.
“They will have to play either Rajat Patidar or Sarfaraz. You can go towards Sarfaraz because he can play in an unorthodox fashion and is a very good player of spin.” – Chopra said.
The second Test match between India and England will be played at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam from 2nd February.
