There were a lot of speculations regarding India’s team selection for the first Test against West Indies in Antigua.

While most of the spots in the playing XI were sealed, the two slots up for grabs were the No. 6 batting position and the selection of lone spinner. Rohit Sharma and Hanuma Vihari were competing for the No.6 slot whereas Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav were fighting to play the role of spinner.

Considering his recent form and reputation, Rohit was expected to be the first choice for the vacant middle-order position. But the team management surprised many by picking Vihari over Rohit and the decision hasn’t gone down well with several fans and experts, including former India skipper Mohammed Azharuddin.

“As far as Hanuma Vihari has concerned, he has got enough chances. If you are picking a player like Rohit Sharma in the squad, then I think you should play him in the XI. Because according to me, his record is not at all bad. The stats are there to see. He is such a good player and does well in ODIs also. So he deserves a long run in the Tests,” Azharuddin said while speaking to Aaj Tak.

He also batted for Rohit to open the innings in Tests ahead of KL Rahul.

“Rather he can open the innings also. KL Rahul has also got so many chances. He was rather sent back from Australia due to his performances. He is so inconsistent. So Rohit should’ve played and if you pick such a big player then you should play him and respect him,” the former captain added.

Vihari, who made his Test debut against England last year, scored 32 in the first innings of Antigua Test before being dismissed by Kemar Roach. The right-hander is yet to bat in the second innings.

Meanwhile, Jadeja was preferred over the other options to play the role of a spinner and he didn’t disappoint. Jadeja played a vital knock of 58 in India’s first innings and returned with the figures of 2/64 as the No. 1 Test team bowled the hosts for 222 after posting 297.