Aakash Chopra reveals why Sarfaraz Khan should be picked over Devdutt Padikkal in Rajkot Test

Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra feels that Sarfaraz Khan should be picked over Devdutt Padikkal in India vs England 3rd Test in Rajkot. Aakash Chopra also gave a crucial reason why Sarfaraz Khan should get an opportunity ahead of Devdutt Padikkal in the Ranchi Test.

India vs England 3rd Test is set to take place at Saurashtra International Cricket Stadium in Rajkot. The encounter begins on Thursday, February 15. Notably, KL Rahul has been ruled out of IND vs ENG 3rd Test.

As a result, Devdutt Padikkal is expected to join the India squad. Padikkal has showcased a dashing form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24. Playing for Karnataka, the left-handed batter has mustered 556 runs in 6 innings averaging 92.67. The Karnataka opener has shattered 3 half-centuries so far.

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Sarfaraz Khan has been scoring runs for a long time- Aakash Chopra

While speaking on his YouTube channel, former India opener Aakash Chopra said either Sarfaraz Khan or Devdutt Padikkal should replace KL Rahul in India vs England 3rd Test. He also backed Sarfaraz Khan to make his debut as he has been scoring runs for a long time.

“Either Sarfaraz or Devdutt Padikkal will make his debut. The simple answer to the question is that it should be Sarfaraz because he has been scoring runs for a very long time. It’s not that Devdutt Padikkal hasn’t been scoring runs for a long time,” Aakash Chopra said.

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No one is in better form than Devdutt Padikkal: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra also noted Padikkal has shown a marvellous form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-24. However, the team should give a chance to Sarfaraz Khan as they played Rajat Paditar in the last match.

“If you see just this season in isolation, no one is in better form than Devdutt Padikkal. This is the right time to give somebody an opportunity but Sarfaraz had come into the team before him, just like Rajat Patidar had come earlier. You played Patidar then. So it’s your duty to play Sarfaraz in this match,” the 46-year-old further added.

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Rajat Padidar made his Test debut in 2nd Test

Notably, Sarfaraz Khan shattered 3 consecutive centuries last year in the Ranji Trophy. Many experts backed his addition to the Test side last year after his stunning show. He was added to the India squad in the ongoing IND vs ENG Test series after the ouster of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja in the 2nd Test.

Rajat Paditar was another batter who was added to the squad. He also made his Test debut in the match. However, Sarfaraz Khan was benched in the encounter, which India won by 106 runs. IND vs ENG Test series is tied 1-1 after two games. England earlier won the opening Test by 28 runs.