Former Indian batsman and cricket pundit Aakash Chopra doesn’t expect changes in India’s top five spots for the upcoming fourth Test at The Oval despite their recent crushing defeat of an innings and 76 runs at the hands of England in the third Test at Headingley, Leeds.
Indian openers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma have put up some good performances for the Indian cricket team, but the middle-order has been struggling so far in the ongoing Test series against England and many expect major changes to India’s batting line-up for the fourth Test, starting on September 2.
However, Chopra believes that India’s top 5 – Rohit, Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rishabh Pant all are going to play at The Oval, which means Suryakumar Yadav will have to wait for his chances in Tests, as the tourists are unlikely to play six batsmen against England.
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Chopra said on his latest YouTube video, “Suryakumar Yadav - no, not going to happen. I am a little biased towards him, I like him but you will play him in place of whom? Will you play a sixth batsman?”
He added, “You will not touch anyone who is playing - Rohit, Rahul, Pujara, Kohli, Rahane, and Rishabh Pant - all these six are going to play. If this top six remains, there is no place.”
On R Ashwin’s inclusion for the fourth Test, the cricketer-turned-commentator said: “About Ashwin, you are going to the Oval. The ball turns there and the pitch is a little flat. He played for Surrey as well and knows the pitch also, that is a definite consideration.”
He concluded, “But until you see the pitch, I don't think you can have an answer, whether it is a four fast-bowler pitch or two spinners if they are going for five bowlers. If you are going to play four bowlers and want to play just the one spinner, then the question will be to go towards Jaddu or Ashwin.”
