Not necessarily happy about it – Aakash Chopra on Shubman Gill opening the innings in England Test

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra is not happy that Shubman Gill will open the innings in the rescheduled Test match against England. As KL Rahul was earlier ruled out due to a right groin injury, Gill was expected to open the innings with Rohit Sharma.

But the Indian captain was tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday, which has raised doubts about his participation in the fifth Test match against England. Thus, Gill might open the innings with either KS Bharat or Hanuma Vihari if Rohit fails to return at least two negative Covid-19 tests before the Test match.

Meanwhile, Shubman hasn’t grabbed his opportunity while playing away from home. However, the right-hander had played a match-winning knock of 91 runs in the historic Gabba Test match against Australia. Gill returned with scores of 21 and 38 in the four-day warm-up match against Leicestershire.

Aakash Chopra believes it is imperative to get off to a good start in English conditions and thus the role of the openers is pivotal. In fact, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma had done a fantastic job in 2021 in four Test matches against England and the team was able to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Aakash Chopra stated on his YouTube Channel: “India does not have many options and will have to go with Shubman Gill. But I am not necessarily happy about it. This is because Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul did a fine job at the top last year in England. They gave good starts and the team did well because of that. Starting well is important in England as if you lose two early wickets, it becomes difficult to get back on track.”

On the other hand, the renowned commentator believes Prasidh Krishna has all the ingredients to be successful in the red-ball format. The lanky fast bowler from Karnataka is yet to make his Test debut.

“He has all the ingredients, from height to wrist position and swing. I feel that he is going to be handed big roles very soon. We are fortunate that India have good fast bowling reserves in both Tests as well as white-ball cricket. Looking at Prasidh’s bowling and the way he gets batters out, it comes across that he’s more suited to the longer format.”

The rescheduled Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston from July 1.