In the aftermath of the Adelaide debacle, Team India will look to make an array of changes going into the Boxing Day Test. In the light of this, former India cricketer and popular commentator Aakash Chopra has tried to shed light on India’s batting order for the Melbourne tie starting from December 26 (Saturday).
Meanwhile, the visitors will have to make two forced changes going into this game. Regular skipper Virat Kohli has travelled back to India to be with his wife Anushka Sharma as they expect the birth of their first child. On the other hand, senior pacer Mohammed Shami endured a fracture in the arm in the first Test and subsequently has been ruled out of the entire series.
Also Read: Watch – Prithvi Shaw Trains Hard Ahead Of Boxing Day Test In Melbourne
Apart from these two, the management is likely to bench Prithvi Shaw, who had a dismal outing in Adelaide. The youngster managed only four runs including a duck from two innings and the same mode of dismissal resulted in his departure. Aakash Chopra made his observation on the same while talking about India’s playing combination in the coming Test during a video shared on his Facebook page.
“It looks like Prithvi Shaw is not going to get a chance in the second match. And I can totally understand because he has not scored the runs, and his confidence is down. If the team says it is short-term and, it doesn’t mean he will not be considered in the future, they can definitely do that. They should play someone who is in the right mental space and who they feel can provide a good start,” he added on his Facebook video.
I would prefer KL Rahul at the top – Aakash Chopra
Speaking further, Aakash Chopra stated that if he had to pick someone for the opening slot, his vote would definitely go with KL Rahul, but India would go with Shubman Gill, he feels. However, when Rohit Sharma will be back, one of them would have to be chopped out as the star batsman will take his rightful position.
“My vote is with KL Rahul, but they are likely to go with Shubman Gill. But whether you open with KL Rahul or Shubman Gill, the sword will be hanging over their head as Rohit Sharma will be back for the next Test,” he added.
