Team India suffered a 227-run defeat at the hands of England in the first Test in Chennai on Tuesday (February 9).
Chasing 420 in the fourth innings, the hosts got bowled out for 192. Apart from skipper Virat Kohli (72) and opener Shubman Gill (50), none of the batsmen managed to touch the 20-run mark in the second essay.
After such a heavy loss, former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has batted for wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s inclusion in the Indian Test squad.
With bio-bubble protocols in place, Chopra wants Chahal to be added in the squad immediately so that he is available for the third Test in Ahmedabad.
“Slightly left-field thought/suggestion....India should look to add Yuzi Chahal in the Test squad ASAP. Considering that the bio-bubble protocols will take time....try to make him available for the third Test,” he tweeted.
When a fan enquired if he prefers Chahal over Kuldeep Yadav, Chopra replied: “Kuldeep should have played the first Test. Must play the second Test. Having Chahal in the mix has nothing to do with Kuldeep actually.”
Aakash Chopra has called for Chahal’s inclusion after seeing the struggle of Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Nadeem in the series opener at Chepauk.
After making his international debut in 2016, Chahal has established himself as one of India’s leading spinners in the shorter formats. However, he is yet to get a chance in Test cricket.
In First-Class cricket, Chahal has claimed 84 wickets in 31 games at an average of 33.21, including two five-wicket hauls.
