IND vs AUS: Shubman Gill being trained to replace Rohit Sharma!! Veteran's bombshell rocks

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that Shubman Gill might not be considered as an opening option in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) series. Aakash Chopra recalled that Gautam Gambhir named Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul as backup openers during the press conference.

The Indian cricket team will take on Australia in the five-match Test series, which is scheduled to commence in Perth on November 22. Skipper Rohit Sharma's participation in the series opener is uncertain. Head coach Gautam Gambhir also said that they will make the final call close to the first Test match.

Jasprit Bumrah Will Be The Captain - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra mentioned uncertainty regarding Rohit Sharma's availability for the first match. He also stated that Jasprit Bumrah is set to captain, as he was already appointed vice-captain.

"At this point in time, there is a huge question mark over Rohit Sharma's availability. He (Gambhir) also said that he would inform the media once he comes to know before the start of the series. However, if he is not there, Jasprit Bumrah will be the captain. There was no doubt about that since he had been appointed vice-captain but a stamp has been put on that," Chopra said.

Shubman Gill Should Continue Doing What He Is Doing - Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out that Gautam Gambhir named Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul as the options for opening. Chopra also said that Gambhir's stance was for Shubman Gill to continue in his current role.

"The second big question was who would open. He said they have two options in Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul, which tells me they are not thinking about Shubman Gill. I had floated the idea that you could try opening with Shubman Gill but he said he should continue doing what he is doing and why should he be touched. It's alright," Chopra added.

KL Rahul scored 4 and 10 for India A against Australia A in the second unofficial Test. He has scored 2551 runs in 75 innings as an opener, including seven centuries and 12 half-centuries. Meanwhile, Abhimanyu Easwaran has recorded scores of just 7, 12, 0, and 17 in two matches against Australia A.

As an opener, Shubman Gill has scored 874 runs in 29 Test innings, with two centuries and four half-centuries. Gill made his Test debut as an opener during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21, where he scored 259 runs at an average of 51.80. However, he has been batting at No. 3 lately.

KL Rahul Has The Versatility That Very Few Players Have - Aakah Chopra

In the same video, Aakash Chopra praised Gautam Gambhir and the team management for backing KL Rahul. Chopra said that the upcoming Australia tour will be crucial for Rahul, adding that opening in Australia won't be easy.

"He spoke about the other players as well that they are very good. He spoke about KL Rahul that he has the versatility that very few players have, and since he is being sent up and down the order a lot, we need to be a little more patient with him. You know I like KL Rahul's game. I also feel patience is nice but this tour will be extremely critical because opening there won't be easy," Chopra said.

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