'Why do they suddenly want him in middle-order?': Chopra 'surprised' over India opener's change in batting position | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

'Why do they suddenly want him in middle-order?': Chopra 'surprised' over India opener's change in batting position

By, New Delhi
Jul 08, 2021 01:49 PM IST

Aakash Chopra has expressed surprise over reports that the team management is considering KL Rahul as a middle-order batsman for the Test series against England.

With Shubman Gill all but ruled out of the entire Test series between India and England, the obvious choice to open the innings along with Rohit Sharma is Mayank Agarwal. Agarwal has a fine record as opener, scoring 1005 runs with two double centuries, and even though the last couple of Test matches did not return good numbers for him, he is one of the best openers India have with them at the moment.

File image of Aakash Chopra. (Aakash Chopra/Instagram)
File image of Aakash Chopra. (Aakash Chopra/Instagram)

Besides Agarwal, India also have the option of trying out KL Rahul but former batsman Aakash Chopra feels that will not be the case and has expressed surprise over reports that the team management is considering Rahul as a middle-order batsman. This has left Chopra slightly perplexed, given that so far, Rahul has mostly played Test cricket batting as an opener. Rahul has opened for India in 33 of the 36 Tests played, scoring 1915 runs at an average of 36.82.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Also Read | Hashim Amla scores 37* off 278 balls: Twitter erupts in awe of South Africa legend, one user compares him with Pujara

"There are two very important aspects of this story. The first is that you have Mayank Agarwal and Abhimanyu Easwaran available to open the innings. Second is that there is KL Rahul as well but it is believed that he will not open. The team management has already declared that Rahul is only a middle-order choice," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

"I mean, this is surprising, right? After all, he has scored five Test centuries and all of them have come opening the innings. Why do they suddenly want him in the middle-order, I don't know."

Also Read | 'Indian cricket will forever be grateful to you': Raina, Kaif, Jaffer & others lead wishes as 'God of off side' turns 49

"I thought he was always a back-up opener but apparently, he's not. Even in extraordinary circumstances. I do understand but what I can't get a grip of is that Rahul is no longer an opener, he is a middle-order batsman. Wow."

India could also use the services of Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is currently a reserve player with the team, but is expected to be drafted into the main squad once Gill is officially ruled out.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RCB vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On