India vs Australia: Aakash Chopra picks between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill as Prithvi Shaw’s replacement in Melbourne

India vs Australia: Aakash Chopra picks between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill as Prithvi Shaw’s replacement in Melbourne

(From Left) KL Rahul, Aakash Chopra and Shubman Gill

KL Rahul, Aakash Chopra and Shubman Gill
(From Left) KL Rahul, Aakash Chopra and Shubman Gill

Indian opening batsman Prithvi Shaw turned out to be one of the biggest disappointments for team India during the pink-ball Test. The 21-year old scored 0 and 4 in the two innings against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. As a result, the team management is most likely to bring either KL Rahul or Shubman Gill to replace Shaw at the top. 

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that it’s right to drop Shaw from the lineup. He reckoned that the youngster is currently low on confidence and lacks the much-needed form as well.

Also Read | India vs Australia: Virat Kohli’s absence is a big opportunity for Ajinkya Rahane, says Gautam Gambhir

“It looks like Prithvi Shaw is not going to get a chance in the second match. And I can totally understand because he has not scored the runs and his confidence is down. If the team says it is short-term and it doesn’t mean he will not be considered in the future, they can definitely do that. They should play someone who is in the right mental space and who they feel can provide a good start,” said Chopra in his latest video.

‘My vote is with KL Rahul’ – Chopra

kl rahul
KL Rahul

Aakash Chopra picked KL Rahul as the second opener to begin the innings alongside Mayank Agarwal. He also said that the stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane must bat at number four, followed by Shubman Gill at five.

“My vote is with KL Rahul but they are likely to go with Shubman Gill. But whether you open with KL Rahul or Shubman Gill, the sword will be hanging over their head as Rohit Sharma will be back for the next Test,” he said.

“So Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, whoever fails here, is going to be dropped for the third Test. I feel Ajinkya Rahane should come to bat at number four. At number five, you can play KL Rahul or Shubman Gill. Rahul and Shubman Gill will definitely be playing the Melbourne Test,” said signed off.

Also Read | India vs Australia: ‘KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are dangerous players who like to take play positively,’ says Time Paine