Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has picked India’s playing XI for the third Test match against England, which will be played at Headingley, Leeds.
Chopra said that no one should talk about Cheteshwar Pujara as India’s no.3 was able to deliver the goods in the Lord’s Test match.
Pujara scored 45 runs after playing 206 balls and played a crucial knock when the team had their backs against the wall. The solid batsman added 100 runs with vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, who scored a vital knock of 61 runs and answered the critics in style.
Chopra said while talking on his YouTube Channel, “If you ask me personally, there is no scope of change in the Indian team. Rahul and Rohit open, Pujara at No.3. He has scored runs now, be absolutely quiet, no one should talk about him.”
“Big runs are due from Virat Kohli, he is going to be there anyway. Rahane has also scored runs now, no one should talk about him as well. So, Ajju will also play. After that Rishabh Pant.”
On the other hand, Chopra feels India should back Ravindra Jadeja despite the fact that the all-rounder has gone wicketless in the first two Test matches and the pace battery has done all the work in the bowling department.
“Jaddu has not taken a single wicket till now. But Jaddu has scored very good runs and despite him not taking wickets, you have taken 20-20 wickets. So there is no worry about Ravindra Jadeja not picking wickets.”
The renowned commentator added that India should back the same set of fast bowlers and Shardul Thakur, who is now fit for the third Test, might have to miss out. Thus, Chopra backed India to play with the same final XI, which they had played at Lord’s.
“The same fast bowling combination – Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Bumrah and Siraj. I know it’s not fair on Shardul if he doesn’t get the chance to play but in my opinion, he will not get it. I would not drop Ishant Sharma or Mohammed Shami or Bumrah or Siraj.”
Meanwhile, it has been reported that India could play Ravichandran Ashwin in their playing XI in place of Ravindra Jadeja.
