IND vs AUS: Sarfaraz Khan Denied His Test Debut Due To Suryakumar Yadav? Former Indian Opener Makes Shocking Allegations

The cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has said that the absence of the star India National Cricket Team batter Shreyas Iyer from the team for the Test series opener against Australia is a big concern.

Recently, ESPNcricinfo reported that Iyer has been ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 opening clash, which is set to begin on February 9 in Nagpur. Iyer, reportedly, needs to spend more time in rehab to recover from the back injury and he is now expected to join the squad for the second Test, which will begin in Delhi on February 17.

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Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that in the absence of Iyer and Rishabh Pant, the batting unit of India looks slightly weak. He added that the in-form Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan would have been an ideal replacement for Iyer, but he was unfortunately not picked in the Test squad.

“What has happened because of Shreyas Iyer being unfit? If he is ruled out, then both he and Rishabh Pant won’t be there. Suddenly there seems to be a slight concern in the batting, especially in Indian conditions.

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“You start thinking that who should you play? If you see the Test squad, you feel there is no such batter sitting there, because you have not picked one. Sarfaraz Khan would have gotten a debut if he had been there, but Suryakumar Yadav is there,” Chopra said.

Shreyas Iyer has proved himself as a Test cricketer in subcontinental conditions – Aakash Chopra

Former India National Cricket Team opening batsman Chopra further said that Iyer is a proven match-winner in subcontinental conditions and his absence will be a blow to the side.

“When you see from the viewpoint of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, that you need to win these matches so that you can qualify for the finals and book a date again with Australia, it would be better if Shreyas Iyer is there at No. 5.

“Shreyas Iyer has proved himself as a Test cricketer in subcontinental conditions. He is very, very good. That’s what India are going to miss if Shreyas is unavailable,” Chopra added.

Also Read: IND vs AUS: Dinesh Karthik Wants Suryakumar Yadav To Play Ahead Of Shubman Gill vs Australia If Shreyas Iyer Misses Out

Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah