IND vs SL: I Think Hanuma Vihari Should Get The First Opportunity At No. 3 - Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes that Indian batter, Hanuma Vihari, has done enough to warrant a place in the side at No. 3 and is the ideal replacement for Cheteshwar Pujara.

India will take on Sri Lanka in the first Test in Mohali tomorrow and their batting combination will be the one that will attract a lot of attention. The selection headaches for the management is aplenty but for Jaffer, it is quite clear who should feature in the playing XI.

“According to me, Rohit and Mayank will open since KL isn’t available for this series. There is a debate between Vihari and Shubman Gill. But I would go with Vihari because after his innings in Sydney he hasn’t got many chances.”

“I don’t think he has made any mistake to miss out this time. So I think he should get the first opportunity. So for me, he is a No. 3,” Jaffer said in a conversation with ESPNcricinfo.

Wasim Jaffer chooses the ideal bowling combination for India

The first Test will be played in Mohali where the pacers are likely to have a say and therefore, Jaffer thinks that having three pacers is the way to go. With Ishant Sharma, not part of the team, for now, Mohammed Siraj is likely to start.

“Because we are playing in India, we can afford to play five bowlers. So for me Jadeja at No. 7, Ashwin at No. 8, followed by Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami. I think Mohali would offer something for the quicks and the reverse swing can be on offer too,” Jaffer added.

As for Ashwin, he hasn’t been cleared to play as of yet. Depending on whether he clears his fitness tests, the management will take a final decision. They have the option of playing Jayant Yadav, who is no slouch with the bat either.

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