Australia vs India 2018: Play Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari in Final XI - Aakash Chopra

The Indian team won’t be going with their winning combination into the Perth Test. Injuries to some of the key players have opened the doors for the bench warmers. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra want all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja to play in place of Ravichandran Ashwin. Furthermore, Chopra picks in-form Hanuma Vihari to replace Rohit Sharma in the playing XI.

The Tamil Nadu-born spinner has been ruled out with side injury while Rohit Sharma has sustained a back injury while fielding in the first Test match. Thus, India is forced to make two changes to their playing combination.

Aakash Chopra backs Vihari, Jadeja to start in the playing XI

Apart from Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav have been named in the 13-man squad for the second Test match. Virat Kohli-led India sealed a convincing 31-run victory at the Adelaide Oval. Ashwin was impressive as he made good use of the rough marks. KL Rahul and Murali Vijay are likely to open once again since Prithvi Shaw hasn’t recovered fully from the ankle injury.

Chopra also backed Hanuma Vihari to play in place of Rohit. Vihari scored a fifty in the warm-up match and added vital contribution during the England series as he scored a fifty on his debut.

Chopra, who is a popular analyst, tweeted: “No Rohit. Vihari should come straight in. No Ashwin…temptation to play another quick. But it’s going to be HOT on match days. So…play Jadeja. Though he’ll be bowling to a lot of left-handers”.

No Rohit. Vihari should come straight in.
No Ashwin…temptation to play another quick. But it’s going to be HOT on match days. So…play Jadeja. Though he’ll be bowling to a lot of left-handers. #AusvInd #7Cricket @7Cricket @1116sen

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 13, 2018

Vihari has been in good nick.

The Perth wicket promises to be a fast and bouncy track. There will be a temptation to play four quicks and have a crack at the depleted Australian batting line-up. Ashwin’s injury might be a blessing in disguise as the likes of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah may be joined by a fourth seamer.

India’s 13-man squad for the 2nd Test:

Virat Kohli, M Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav.