Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on young batsman Shubman Gill opening the innings with Rohit Sharma in the one-off Test against England. The fifth and final Test match of the postponed series last year between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from Friday 1 July. Rohit has also been infected with Corona. There is suspense even on his playing.
Star opener KL Rahul suffered a groin injury ahead of the five-match T20I series against South Africa and was ruled out of the entire series. Due to this he was ruled out of the Test against England. Now the young opener batsman Gill will open the innings. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra talked about Gill opening the innings in the Test match against England and said he was not happy with it. He also said that there will be additional pressure on Gill as he will be judged by his performance in a Test match.
Chopra said, “India don’t have much options and will have to go with Shubman Gill. I am not happy about it. This is because Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul did a good job in England last year. He gave a good start and because of that the team did well. It’s important to start well in England, as if you lose two early wickets, it becomes difficult to come back.”
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been found to be COVID positive and is in isolation ahead of the ‘fifth’ Test against England. The Cricket Board of India (BCCI) gave this information on Sunday. The Test match should be played in Birmingham from July 1 and if Rohit remains in isolation for six days, then fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah or wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant can lead the team. There is also a problem that who will do the opening?
If Rohit does not play, Hanuma Vihari or KS Bharat can get a chance to open with Shubman Gill. Vihari has opened in 2019. It was believed that Mayank Agarwal would be selected in the team if KL Rahul was injured, but it did not happen. The team did not announce the replacement. Team India is currently leading 2-1 in the Test series.