Backing Rohit Sharma Not Only For Runs, But To Play Match-Changing Knocks In England: Aakash Chopra

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra expects game-changing knocks from top-order batsman Rohit Sharma in the upcoming Test series against England. India and England will embark on a five-match Test series from Wednesday, starting in Nottingham. Aakash Chopra believes Rohit Sharma not only needs to produce runs, but match-changing innings for India to win.

Since Rohit Sharma started opening in Test cricket in late 2019, the opener’s career has been progressing well. The right-handed batsman has featured in 38 Tests and scored 2615 runs at 46.7, with seven centuries, including a best of 212. But Rohit has played only one Test in England back in 2014, when he managed 34 runs. Hence, the expertise of James Anderson and Stuart Broad will provide him a daunting challenge.

Aakash Chopra highlighted that the big players need to deliver for India and feels the tourists need to seize the key moments of the game. The 43-year old hopes to see Rohit Sharma produce game-changing knocks and equally backed Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant to excel.

“The big players will have to deliver for Team India in England. Every time we go to England, we get those key moments but India need to seize the movements and move ahead. This time, I am backing Rohit Sharma not only for runs but to play some match-changing knocks. I am hoping for the same from Virat Kohli as well and Rishabh Pant,” Chopra told in his Youtube channel.

In Mayank Agarwal’s absence, my vote will be for KL Rahul as opener: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra named KL Rahul as the preferred choice to open in Mayank Agarwal’s absence and feels three bowlers and two spinners would be the ideal combination. The cricketer-turned-commentator anticipates India to do well in England, where they have had a significant time to bed in the conditions. Chopra understands the injury-related problems; however, he pointed out that the hosts have selection headaches too.

“In Mayank Agarwal’s absence, my vote will be for KL Rahul as opener. Team India will have to find ways to address their fitness issues. Also, if they can manage to play the combination of five fast bowlers – three pacers and two spinners – it would be great. Team India have been in England since June. They played the WTC final, spend the entire July in the UK so they will be expected to do well and have a great opportunity to win the series. Yes, Team India have been dealt with a few big blows but the same is true for England with no Ben Stokes,” he added.

Also Read: Mohammed Siraj Has To Wait For His Turn – Ashish Nehra Picks The Senior Pace Trio To Start In The First Test