Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has backed either Shubman Gill or Rishabh Pant to lead India in Test cricket once Rohit Sharma hangs his boots from the oldest format of the game. Gill has been recently named as Gujarat Titans captain whereas Pant has the experience of leading Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
Gill has played 18 Test matches so far while Pant has featured in 33 Test matches. Pant has played some scintillating knocks in the red-ball version and Chopra said he is a game-changer in the pristine form of the game.
Aakash Chopra said while talking on his YouTube Channel, “I am talking about extremely long-term, it could be Shubman Gill. I am not talking about now, I am talking about the distant future. It could be Rishabh Pant. Rishabh Pant as a Test cricketer is 24-carat gold.”
“So he could also be the one. He is a game changer. So I will look towards one of these two once Rohit says he is done with Test cricket and that you can appoint someone else as the skipper.”
Chopra added India can win in the tough South African conditions but it is not going to be easy as they are yet to win their maiden series in the Rainbow nation.
“They can win but it’s not going to be easy because it’s just a two-match series. There are fewer chances of draws in a two-match series and we take time to read the conditions, although we will be fully prepared as we will reach there after playing quite a few friendly and India A games.”
The renowned commentator reckons any result is possible as South Africa is a difficult team to beat in their conditions.
“However, South Africa in South Africa is a different beast altogether. I feel India will do well but whether they will win – no idea, it won’t be easy. The series might end 1-1, we might win and could lose as well. I am not ruling out any result because it is South Africa.”
The first Test match between India and South Africa will be played at SuperSport Park, Centurion from December 26th.
