IND vs SA: If Openers Don't Do Well, The Team Doesn't Do Well - Aakash Chopra On India's Concerns Ahead Of Boxing Day Test

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra insisted that the onus is on the Indian openers to perform well in order to set the platform up for the struggling middle-order. Karnataka batsmen, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal will have to shoulder the responsibility of playing out the new ball in tough Proteas conditions.

Since the middle-order trio of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane have been struggling of late, it becomes all the more important for the openers to score some runs.

“Opening didn’t work out very well. If openers don’t do well, the team doesn’t do well. We did well in England because Rahul and Rohit were consistent; here, we don’t have that, which could be a problem.”

“Now, Mayank will open with Rahul. Both started their India journey in the Boxing Day Tests and now they’re back. In between, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Prithvi Shaw all opened for the side. So it’s phenomenal how the world changes, really,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

With Rohit not being available due to an injury, there might be tough times ahead for the Indian team. Rohit has been the side’s best batsman of the calendar year.

“Last time (in South Africa), our highest run-scorer was Virat Kohli. He scored 286 runs at an average of 47. But there was no one else who scored runs and that was the main issue. If you don’t bat four or five sessions, it becomes difficult to win. Last time, India couldn’t even play three properly,” Chopra added.

“We are struggling in batting which is my biggest worry” – Aakash Chopra

The previous time India toured South Africa, the bowlers were on fire and they managed to skittle out the opponents in every single innings. However, it was the batting that was the issue and will be even this time around.

“Among bowlers, Philander was the top wicket-taker alongside Shami and Rabada. Bumrah had his debut series and returned with 14 wickets. The key performers are still there; in fact, we also have Siraj in the team now. India played good in Australia and England. But we are struggling in batting which is my biggest worry. We don’t have Axar or Jadeja (in lower-middle order) or Rohit (in opening order). Rahane doesn’t have the form and Pujara hasn’t been consistent as well,” Chopra added.

The tour begins tomorrow as the first Test will be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

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