'You Have Two Such Big Opening Batsmen In KL Rahul And Mayank Agarwal' : Kapil Dev Questions The Rumours Surrounding Prithvi Shaw's Inclusion For England Tests

Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has slammed the rumours of a possible replacement flying for India ahead of their Test series against England. The Indian camp has likely been unsettled after the World Test Championship final loss against New Zealand by eight wickets in Southampton. Kapil Dev responded to the rumours by remarking that India has enough capable players to cover for any injuries that might be there.

According to a few reports, Prithvi Shaw could come as Shubman Gill’s replacement from Sri Lanka as the latter has an injury. The youngster’s stress-related injury on his left leg could force him to miss the entire series. While Mayank Agarwal remains the frontrunner to replace Gill as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner, Prithvi Shaw’s current form has put him in the mix. But it looks unlikely for him to fly from Sri Lanka to England.

Kapil Dev feels there is no need for it as they have to respect the selectors’ decision of picking the 20-man squad that might not have happened without consultations from the coach and captain. The Haryana Hurricane highlighted that with KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal in the team, a third option should not be required.

“I don’t think there is any need for it. There should be some respect for the selectors too. They have picked a team and I’m sure it wouldn’t have happened without their (Shastri and Kohli) consultation. I mean, you have two such big opening batsmen in KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. Do you really need a third option? I don’t think it’s right,” Dev told on ‘Wah Cricket’ show on ABP News

The team that they’ve picked already has openers so I think they should be the ones to play: Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev remarked he remains unconvinced with the theory of flying in Prithvi Shaw as the reserve openers picked are capable enough. The World Cup-winning skipper underlined that such perspectives are insulting for the players who are already in the side.

“I’m not convinced with this theory. The team that they’ve picked already has openers so I think they should be the ones to play. Otherwise, it’s insulting for the players who are already in the team,” he added.

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