'One Hundred Percent' : Aakash Chopra Believes Ravichandran Ashwin And Ravindra Jadeja Must Play Together

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes India can play two spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the upcoming Tests against England. India surprisingly omitted Ravichandran Ashwin from the first Test against England in Nottingham, opting for Ravindra Jadeja and playing four pacers. But Aakash Chopra underlined that the tourists can include both Ashwin and Jadeja, leading to removing Shardul Thakur.

While Ravichandran Ashwin remains a very threatening prospect at home, the 34-year old has been equally good overseas. Ashwin played an instrumental role in India’s Test series victory in Australia, followed by earning the man of the series when England visited the sub-continent earlier this year. He snared more than 20 wickets in four Tests and registered a hundred as the hosts won the series 3-1.

Aakash Chopra understands India don’t want to compromise on their batting and play five bowlers. But the 43-year old believes Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja should feature together as they inspire confidence in batting too. However, Aakash also opined Shardul Thakur would be unfortunate to miss out.

“One hundred percent. You want to play five bowlers and don’t want to compromise on your batting, I totally get it. But in that, you should definitely play Ashwin and Jaddu and both will bat well also. It will be unfortunate that you will have to leave out Shardul,” Aakash told in his Youtube channel.

Ishant will also have to wait for his opportunity: Aakash Chopra

But Aakash Chopra also highlighted that India should stick with Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah as Ishant Sharma has to wait. The cricketer-turned-commentator conceded it would be unfortunate for Ishant to sit out; however, that’s how it works.

“You will play your three premier bowlers, who are Bumrah, Shami and Siraj after this Test match – Ishant will also have to wait. That’s the nature of the beast, you get injured and someone plays and ensures his place, then it takes longer for you to come back,” he added.

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