As India put together for the essential second Take a look at in opposition to South Africa, former opener Aakash Chopra has advised a tactical tweak to the batting lineup in case Shubman Gill is unavailable. Gill, who was discharged from the hospital after the primary Take a look at, nonetheless stays unsure for the upcoming match, prompting discussions round a doable alternative. Chopra believes India should make a strategic alternative somewhat than merely filling the slot with one other left-hander.
Aakash Chopra names potential alternative of Shubman Gill
Talking on his YouTube channel, Chopra asserted that Ruturaj Gaikwad is probably the most appropriate candidate to stroll into the XI if Gill doesn’t get well in time. His suggestion stems from India’s present crew steadiness, which already incorporates a heavy presence of left-handed batters.
“Ought to Ruturaj Gaikwad be chosen within the Take a look at crew? You could be questioning how he will be chosen because the crew is already chosen and nobody has gone out. There may be nonetheless no readability on Shubman Gill’s participation,” Chopra mentioned. He additional famous that Gill’s availability stays a ‘query mark,’ and India should be ready with a backup plan.
Chopra highlighted that each Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, the 2 batters on standby, are left-handers — rising the tally of left-handed gamers within the XI to an uncommon seven if both is picked. With India already fielding six left-handers within the opening Take a look at, he believes including one other one may very well be dangerous.
“You’ve got Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal sitting exterior — two extra left-handers. You have already got six left-handers within the XI. Do you wish to go along with seven left-handers?” he questioned.
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Chopra on the Simon Harmer issue
Chopra identified that right-hander Gaikwad offers a vital steadiness in opposition to South Africa’s bowling assault — significantly the menace posed by seasoned off-spinner Simon Harmer, who dismantled India within the first Take a look at together with his refined variations.
The previous opener burdened that having one other right-handed batter within the center would assist counter Harmer extra successfully, somewhat than exposing an extended chain of left-handers to his off-spin. Chopra additionally praised Gaikwad’s constant kind throughout codecs, noting that the Maharashtra batter has been piling up runs in home cricket in addition to in India A fixtures.
“He’s in glorious kind. He’s scoring runs for India A in white-ball cricket. Don’t know why he isn’t performed within the days’ format when India A performs, however wherever he’s taking part in — Ranji Trophy or Duleep Trophy — he has been scoring runs,” Chopra noticed.
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