Mayank Agarwal Will Be My First Preference In Shubman Gill's Absence In England: Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has reacted to Shubman Gill’s injury that is likely to rule him out of the five-match Test series against England. Though it remains unclear when Shubman Gill sustained a stress injury to his left leg, the youngster could spend eight weeks on the sidelines. While Wasim Jaffer sympathizes with Gill, he believes it’s a massive opportunity for Mayank Agarwal to return to the fold.

Mayank Agarwal faced an axe after two poor outings in Australia. With Shubman Gill impressing in his debut series down under, Agarwal could not force his way back in the top order as the former kept his place in the home series against England too. Mayank has an impressive record in Tests, amassing 1052 runs in 14 Tests at 45.74, with three centuries. If Gill does not recover in time, the 30-year old remains the closest contender to open with Rohit Sharma.

Wasim Jaffer highlighted that KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have massive opportunities if Shubman Gill stays out, with the latter being the first preference. The 43-year old stated that with an excellent career so far, he would be looking at this opportunity after facing an axe in the Australia tour. Jaffer thinks that Rahul could fit in the middle-order if not as an opener.

“It will be a very big opportunity for Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul with Mayank being my first preference. He has had an excellent career so far. He was dropped after two poor outings in Australia but I am sure he will be looking forward to this opportunity. It is a very big series of five Test matches which can make or break a cricketer’s career. I feel KL Rahul can also fit somewhere in the middle-order if not as an opener,” Jaffer said in his Youtube channel.

It will be a big blow for India as well as Shubman Gill: Wasim Jaffer

Wasim Jaffer further stated that Shubman Gill would have aimed at making a mark through this opportunity in England as overseas performances are often the barometers for any youngster. The Mumbai-born former opener thinks it’s a crucial series for India since they haven’t won in England since 2007-08; hence, he expects the big players to deliver.

“It will be a big blow for India as well as Shubman Gill because as a youngster, you look forward to this kind of series to make a name for yourself. Considering that we judge a player by their overseas performance, it will be a setback for him to miss the first couple of games. It will be a very important series for India because we haven’t won any series in England since 2007-08 though we have come close. Although Shubman Gill’s injury will be a big blow, the players will look to step up and deliver,” he added.

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