Former India opener and commentator Aakash Chopra has shared his views on the upcoming one-off Test between India and Afghanistan. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said that the match provides a valuable opportunity for several young and fringe players to prove themselves in red-ball cricket.
The one-off Test between India and Afghanistan will be played in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, from June 6. With regular spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel rested for the non-WTC fixture, the selectors have included three uncapped players in the squad, giving them a chance to make an impression at the highest level.
One of Them Will Get a Chance - Aakash Chopra on India's Uncapped Players
Aakash Chopra believes one of India's uncapped players is likely to get an opportunity. He said that the match could be crucial for young players trying to break into the national side, especially with senior all-rounders expected to return for future assignments.
"Whether it's Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar, or Harsh Dubey, one of those three would get a chance. It will be an extremely important game for them because one doesn't get such chances repeatedly, and one of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, or both, might return in the team for the next Test match."
Harsh Dubey earned his place in the squad after his impressive performances. He also boasts an impressive first-class record of 133 wickets and 1,027 runs in 27 matches. Manav Suthar has taken 129 first-class wickets and scored 945 runs in 29 matches.
I Want to See Wickets with Washington Sundar - Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said that India's team management should focus on Washington Sundar's bowling rather than his batting. The former opener added that a spinner's primary role is to take wickets, especially with Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel unavailable for the match.
"Washington Sundar, the bowler. I am not talking about the batter at all. I need his bowling because spinners aren't all-rounders. Spinners' first job is to pick up wickets. Do that job first. Then whatever you get in batting is a plus, but I want to see wickets with Washi. Jaddu and Axar haven't even been picked for this match. So you want Washi to come and pick up wickets."
Washington Sundar will have an important role in India's bowling attack. The off-spinner has taken 36 wickets at an average of 32.97 in 17 Test matches. He has also scored 885 runs at an average of 42.14 in 29 Test innings.
It's a Massive Opportunity for Sai Sudharsan - Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra believes the Test match is a crucial opportunity for Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant. The former India opener said that Sudharsan needs to make the most of his chance and score runs before India's next Test assignment in Sri Lanka.
"It's a massive opportunity for Sai Sudharsan. Make your name and score runs. If you don't score runs, you will once again become a part of the same cycle because the next Test match will be in August against Sri Lanka, and they will play on a rank turner. So you need some confidence to go there."
"Rishabh Pant will have to score runs for the simple reason that he has been demoted now. For no rhyme or reason, he has been demoted from vice-captaincy in Test cricket. His numbers are excellent. You have been penalized because you didn't score runs elsewhere. Your vice-captaincy has been taken away."
Sai Sudharsan has scored 302 runs in six Tests at an average of 27.45. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has amassed 3,476 runs in 49 Tests at an average of 42.91 and remains one of India's most important players in the longest format.
