Aakash Chopra: Shubman Gill Right Man To Open With Rohit Sharma In 5 Tests Vs England

Aakash Chopra, cricketer-turned-commentator did not fail to point out that even if Shubman Gill wasn’t selected, the next-in-line batsman was Mayank Agarwal and not KL Rahul.

Even days after India’s loss in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Kane Williamson-led New Zealand, discussions continue to take place about the reasons for the loss and the road ahead as India will play 5 Tests against England next. Joining the bandwagon is Aakash Chopra, who spoke about Shubman Gill opening the batting.

Aakash Chopra. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Aakash Chopra: Shubman Gill Right Man To Partner Rohit Sharma At The Top Despite Failure In WTC Final

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra was asked by a fan if India would have been better off playing KL Rahul instead. He replied that Shubman Gill, who only scored 36 across the two innings, was the right man to partner Rohit Sharma at the top as he despite looking comfortable in the middle, failed to play long innings. Aakash Chopra said that the young right-hander should continue to open even during the 5 match England series.

“Shubman Gill should have definitely played. I feel he should definitely be play the first Test against England as well. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma was the right combination.”

Shubman Gill Photo Credit: (BCCI)

Former India opener Aakash Chopra also mentioned that it was the right choice despite Shubman Gill not firing.

“It did not work out; if we look back the path always looks better on the rear-view mirror but whoever has to select the team has to look ahead and not behind,” Aakash Chopra said.

He added: “Shubman Gill with Rohit Sharma was the right decision. Shubman Gill with Rohit Sharma will be the right decision for the first Test match also. I am going with what the team did.”

Despite Shubman Gill, who had a successful debut in Australia, started the England home Test series with a 50 as well, it has all gone downhill for him since then. Although he has scored 414 runs in 8 Tests averaging 31.85 in his Test career, his last few innings score read: 0, 14, 11, 15*, 0, 28, and 8.

In three Tests in Australia, Shubman Gill scored 259 runs at a brilliant average of 51.80 with two half-centuries besides his name. Shubman Gill’s brilliant innings of 91 were instrumental in Team India ending Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the Gabba, Brisbane.

Aakash Chopra: Mayank Agarwal Ahead Of KL Rahul In The Pecking Order

The cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra did not fail to point out that even if Shubman Gill wasn’t selected, the next-in-line batsman was Mayank Agarwal and not KL Rahul.

“You couldn’t have played him [Rahul]. Before KL Rahul, they should have played Mayank Agarwal. And now when you go ahead also, Mayank is ahead of KL Rahul in the pecking order.”

Mayank Agarwal[photo: Twitter]

Mayank Agarwal was fourth on the list of Indian batters to score the most runs in the WTC league phase. He stacked up 857 runs from 12 matches at an average of 42.85. The numbers are a stark contrast to Shubman Gill – 414 runs from eight matches at an average of 31.84. The 5 match Test series between India and England begins on August 4.

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