Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has opined on India’s ideal playing Xi for the third Test at Headingley starting today. India won the Lord’s Test and head into this match with a lead of 1-0. While the cricket universe is talking about a few changes in India’s playing XI for the third Test, Aakash Chopra decided to stick with the same XI.
In this latest Youtube video, he spoke about India’s playing Xi. He said that he would start with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahu as openers with Cheteshwar Pujara at number three. There were lot of talks regarding Pujara likely to be dropped for the third Test given his poor run of low scores. However, he scored a crucial 40-odd in the Lord’s Test helping India to make a comeback.
“If you ask me personally, there is no scope of change in the Indian team. Rahul and Rohit open, Pujara at No.3. He has scored runs now, be absolutely quiet, no one should talk about him” Chopra said.
He said that Ajinkya Rahane also answered his critics by scoring a half-century at Lord’s. Virat Kohli needs to get back to scoring runs which has been due for a long time.
India Need Runs From Virat Kohli: Aakash Chopra
“Big runs are due from Virat Kohli, he is going to be there anyway. Rahane has also scored runs now, no one should talk about him as well. So, Ajju will also play. After that Rishabh Pant” elaborated Chopra.
Regarding the bowling attack, Aakash Chopra said that ideally, India should stick with the same bowling attack of four pacers and a sole spinner in Ravindra Jadeja. He said that it would be unfair on Shardul Thakur to get him dropped even after regaining fitness but that is how it is.
“The same fast bowling combination – Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Bumrah and Siraj. I know it’s not fair on Shardul if he doesn’t get the chance to play but in my opinion, he will not get it. I would not drop Ishant Sharma or Mohammed Shami or Bumrah or Siraj. “Jaddu has not taken a single wicket till now. But Jaddu has scored very good runs and despite him not taking wickets, you have taken 20-20 wickets. So there is no worry about Ravindra Jadeja not picking wickets” concluded Chopra.
Also Read: ENG vs IND 2021, 3rd Test: How Will Be The Weather Conditions At Headingley On Day 1
Aakash Chopra’s Playing XI
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
