IND vs ENG 2024: KS Bharat should play in play as he is doing his job as specialist wicket-keeper – Aakash Chopra

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra wants India’s think tank to stick with KS Bharat in the third Test match against England at Rajkot. Chopra reckons Bharat is fulfilling his role as a specialist wicket-keeper and he should be given one more chance.

However, it has been reported that Dhruv Jurel could make his Test debut as Bharat has failed to deliver with the bat. While the Indian wicket-keeper has impressed with his glovework behind the stumps, he hasn’t been able to get the job done with the bat.

Bharat has scored 92 runs in the first two Test matches against England at an average of 23. The right-hander has scored 221 runs in seven Test matches at an average of 20.09 in his short career so far.

Bharat scored a fine hundred against England Lions but he hasn’t been able to carry the same form.

“I am hearing news that Dhruv Jurel might make his Test debut in Rajkot. I am thinking if it’s right or wrong. If you ask me personally, I think KS Bharat should be judged first based on his wicketkeeping. And whatever we have seen of him, I don’t find anything bad. He is doing a good job,” Aakash Chopra said in his YouTube show.

“These are difficult pitches, that’s why you (the team management) said you won’t keep wickets with KL Rahul. You said you wanted a specialist keeper. So in that specialist keeper’s role, he is fulfilling his duty. In Hyderabad, he played well in both the innings. In fact, in the second innings, had he batted a bit longer, India would have gone on to win the match. I will be a little disappointed… I think he should play this match. You have to look at a keeper as a keeper, you have three spinners, all three of them are batters, if Jadeja returns.

The reputed commentator wants the team management to back under-fire Bharat and give him one more opportunity.

“I would be slightly disappointed if India lost confidence in KS Bharat quite quickly. It has happened in the past. He played the World Test Championship final, then you to the West Indies, you changed your game, and there Ishan Kishan played as wicketkeeper. There has been a lack of continuity since Rishabh Pant’s injury.

“So I think the team management should be a little patient. KS Bharat should get at least one more Test. I would want him to play all 5 Tests. But if batting is that important, at least give him one more match,” he added.

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Rajkot from 15th February onwards.