ENG vs IND: ‘Mayank Agarwal or KL Rahul?’ – Wasim Jaffer picks India’s second opener as a replacement for Shubman Gill


ENG vs IND: ‘Mayank Agarwal or KL Rahul?’ – Wasim Jaffer picks India’s second opener as a replacement for Shubman Gill

Wasim Jaffer and Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul

Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has opted for Mayank Agarwal over KL Rahul to open alongside Rohit Sharma in the absence of Shubman Gill during the upcoming Test series against England.

ADVERTISEMENT

Shubman Gill had recently picked a leg injury which has made his availability in doubt for the maiden game of the England series. Consequently, Rahul and Mayank become the front-runners to grab a spot at the top in the playing XI.

“It will be a very big opportunity for Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul with Mayank being my first preference,” Wasim Jaffer said. “He has had an excellent career so far. He was dropped after two poor outings in Australia but I am sure he will be looking forward to this opportunity.”

The former cricketer asserted that India-England is a long tour and Rahul can also play as a middle-order batsman later in the series. As a result, he believes that Mayank should be given a nod ahead of his Karnataka teammate.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It is a very big series of five Test matches which can make or break a cricketer’s career. I feel KL Rahul can also fit somewhere in the middle-order if not as an opener,” Jaffer added.

“Shubman Gill’s injury will be a big blow for India”

Shubman Gill injury replacement
Shubman Gill is likely to miss some Test matches against England due to a calf injury

Wasim Jaffer highlighted that Shubman Gill’s absence will be a big blow for team India. He further talked about the importance of the India vs England Test series, especially in the English conditions that the Asian Giants haven’t won in the last decade.

“It will be a big blow for India as well as Shubman Gill because as a youngster, you look forward to this kind of series to make a name for yourself. Considering that we judge a player by their overseas performance, it will be a setback for him to miss the first couple of games,” Wasim Jaffer added.

“It will be a very important series for India because we haven’t won any series in England since 2007-08 though we have come close. Although Shubman Gill’s injury will be a big blow, the players will look to step up and deliver,” he added.

ADVERTISEMENT

Also Read | Shubman Gill injury replacement: 4 players who could partner Rohit Sharma

Also Read | “Any of us would take a bullet for MS Dhoni without a second thought”: KL Rahul