Aakash Chopra feels Shami, Axar and Karthik should be included in Centurion ODI

Renowned Hindi commentator and analyst, Aakash Chopra, reckons that the final One-day International in Centurion should pave way for the untested personnel in the India squad. Chopra predicts India should give rest to pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been ineffective in the series with the ball.

Also, the former Indian Test opener Chopra advocates the place of Axar Patel and Mohammed Shami in the playing XI – to have a look at their capabilities in these conditions.

According to Chopra, with the series done and dusted, the scoreline doesn’t hold any importance.

“India should definitely make some changes. They won’t be able to play in South African conditions for a while. Therefore, with the hefty 17-member Indian squad with should be tested out in the conditions. When you’ve won the series already, the scoreline of 4-2 or 5-1 does not hold any significance,” said Aakash Chopra in his video post.

Even though Bhuveneshwar has been handy with the bat down the order, the wily pacer has not been able to pick wickets upfront.

Meanwhile, Shami last played a one-dayer back in October against Australia at Bengaluru.

“Looking at somebody like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, I think he deserves a bit of rest because of the workload on him off-late. Bhuvi has not able to pick up wickets this series apart from being expensive. Mohammed Shami should get the nod ahead of Bhuvi to see what he can do in white-ball cricket,” lamented Chopra.

On Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja:

Axar Patel, on the other hand, hasn’t had a game in the series. The final ODI also gives an opportunity for the Indian think to find out his abilities in the condition or to give another look at Ravindra Jadeja, the seasoned all-rounder.

“The men in blue also have the option of trying out Axar Patel, who has been on the fringes for a while now, just to have a look at his capabilities in these conditions. If not, then whether the management should fall back on Ravindra Jadeja,” added the 40-year-old.

“This is now the time to clear all the doubts. Also, if India has any other finisher apart from Hardik Pandya. If Kedar Jadhav is fit, he should be playing in the final ODI. Therefore, the dead rubber at Centurion gives the opportunity to clear out all the uncertainties within the Indian camp,” concluded Aakash Chopra.

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