India vs Windies 2018: Murali Karthik Wants Mayank Agarwal in the Playing XI for 2nd Test in Place of Virat Kohli or KL Rahul

Former Team India spinner Murali Karthik feels that India skipper Virat Kohli should sit out for the 2^nd Test against Windies and accommodate Mayank Agarwal for the 2^nd Test. He feels either Virat Kohli or KL Rahul can be rested for the 2^nd Test to try out Mayank Agarwal. The 2^nd Test is slated to be played in Hyderabad from 12^th October.

Windies were thoroughly outplayed in the opening Test by an innings and 272 runs. It is also the biggest victory for India by an innings in Test cricket. Mayank Agarwal was added in the squad but was not included in the Playing XI of the 1^st Test. The opening batsman has batted brilliantly in the domestic circuit in the past year or so. Murali Karthik feels the long wait should end in the next Test especially if Mayank Agarwal is considered for selection in Australia.

Team India started as outright favourites before the series. However, Windies were expected to put up a better show than they did in the opening Test. Their horrendous performance has caused grief to former Windies players. Many have questioned the abilities of the visitors to pose a challenge to Virat Kohl’s men.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Debutant Prithvi Shaw was at his sublime best in his debut innings and struck a brilliant 134. Virat Kohli also scored a century. Ravindra Jadeja also scored his maiden Test century as he thrashed the Windies bowlers all around the park. Meanwhile Murali Karthik feels against a side like Windies, Virat Kohli can afford to sit out or in that case, it might be KL Rahul.

“That [playing Agarwal] was something that I was thinking about. You should look at what you’re trying to get from this series. You’re looking for players for Australia,” Karthik said during the post-match show in Star Sports after the conclusion of the opening Test.

“Did Virat Kohli have to play? You can possibly win this Test series without Virat Kohli. The way he was rested for Asia Cup,” he added. There are certain players who play only Test match cricket. You don’t want people like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ishant Sharma to be missing out.

“Mayank Agarwal is somebody who has been picked. Are you looking at him for Australia? If you’re looking at him, would you want to have a go in Test match cricket here? Otherwise, I don’t think they have to change anything.”

“If they have that view, possibly give him a chance. You can possibly rest Rahul. He has obviously done well for India. Yes, he missed out in this Test. But if you want to play an opener in place for an opener, then it has to be Rahul who has to make way for Mayank. Maybe Ishant can come in for someone.”

“I was actually asking Virat to sit out. He is a champion player. Against West Indies, no disrespect to them. When you see a team like that playing at this level, then Mayank Agarwal is possibly one option which you can look at in place of Virat or Rahul,” Karthik said.