Aakash Chopra Reckons KL Rahul Will Open Alongside Rohit Sharma In The 2nd Test

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra was very certain that India will continue with KL Rahul as the opener for the second test even if Mayank Agarwal returns fit. Prior to the start of the series, the first choice openers were Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Gill’s injury left India with no choice than replacing him with the backup opener Mayank Agarwal.

Two days before the start of the first tests, Agarwal had suffered a concussion in the nets and was ruled out of the first test. KL Rahul who did well in the warmup fixture who last played for India in tests two years back was picked in the squad as a backup middle order option. However, the circumstances demanded Rahul open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma and he top-scored for India in the first innings with a well-made 84.

India Should Continue With KL Rahul, Feels Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra was quite sure that India isn’t going to replace Rahul with Mayank Agarwal even if he is fit. He explained that Agarwal isn’t having those continuous centuries under hit belt or is not a proven big match player like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma to come into the playing XI straightaway. It is sad on the part of Agarwal who had to wait for his opportunity again.

“One hundred percent. You can change my name if they don’t do that. They should continue with him. Even if Mayank Agarwal is fit, which he will be, but how will you replace KL Rahul.”

“Mayank Agarwal is not coming with continuous hundreds behind him. Hypothetically, if Kohli had a concussion and someone else had played in his place, even if he had scored runs, Kohli would have come back. It could be the same thing with Rohit Sharma.” Aakash Chopra opined

Aakash Chopra Opines Shubman Gill Was The Original Choice

Aakash Chopra felt that Shubman Gill was the original choice ahead of Mayank Agarwal for the first test and he noted about Mayank playing a test last at Brisbane 7 months back. He added that even when he returns, Mayank will have to wait for his opportunity as Rahul has excelled in the first test.

“That is not the case with Mayank. Shubman Gill was the original choice, he played the last Test match in Brisbane in the middle order. I like Mayank a lot, but will he walk into the team straightaway, not going to happen.” he added

KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma shared a stand of 97 for the first wicket at Trent Bridge and India will look to continue with the pair.