India vs Sri Lanka 2021: Aakash Chopra Feels There Are Enough Options If Prithvi Shaw And Suryakumar Yadav Aren't Available

Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra felt that the bench has enough strength and IPL experience to be picked up even if Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav aren’t available. Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav were announced as replacements for the injured players in the test team in England and they are likely to join the test team soon.

Both players have been in great form for India in the limited-overs games and this will certainly be a good addition to the squad. Shaw is making a comeback while Suryakumar has earned his maiden call-up to the test team with immense domestic experience. Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Avesh Khan will be the three players to return from the UK after injuries.

Aakash Chopra Picks Three Replacement Options From The Bench

Aakash Chopra reckoned that India will stay with the same team unless the changes are forced and winning the series is going to be the priority. He pointed out the likes of Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Rana, and Ruturaj Gaikwad who have all done well in the domestic circuit for a long time and any two players from the trio could be picked if needed.

“If they (Shaw and Suryakumar) are available then I don’t think you need to make changes because you haven’t won the series yet. If they aren’t available, you have three options – Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Nitish Rana. You can play any two of these three players. They have enough experience after playing in the IPL,” Aakash Chopra reckoned.

Aakash Chopra Feels Sri Lanka Batsmen Have To Be More Responsible

Aakash Chopra opined that the Sri Lanka team is struggling with fewer options available and he wanted players like Avishka Fernando to take responsibility and move the game forward. He added that Asalanka needs some support from the other end or he doesn’t see the nation winning against India.

“This is a struggling Sri Lankan team with a few players suspended so this is all that they have. They will need to play differently and players like Avishka Fernando will need to convert starts into big scores. Asalanka did try his best but he alone can’t do all the work. These players will need to bat with more responsibility or else the result will be the same,” he added.

India has gone 1-0 up in the three-match T20I series already and the onus will be on Sri Lanka to put up a fight.