Ahead of the commencement of the five-Test series between England and India, former India pacer Ashish Nehra opined on India's chances in the series and mentioned how opener Rohit Sharma’s fortunes with the bat might affect how the visitors fare.
The first Test between the two Test powerhouses begins on August 4 in Trent Bridge, Nottingham and everyone is anticipating a mouthwatering contest between the two teams.
Ashish Nehra mentioned how India’s chances in the England Test series depend on how opener Rohit Sharma fares. This will be the first time Rohit will open in England and face James Anderson and Stuart Broad in their own backyard with the Dukes' red ball.
"I really hope Rohit Sharma has a good England tour. If he has a good tour, then we as a team, our chances will be much better. If you can start well, it will keep a strong foundation," Nehra said during a virtual press conference organized by Sony Network.
Rohit Sharma will have a new opening partner in the 1st Test as Shubman Gill was ruled out of the entire series earlier due to a shin fracture injury, while Mayank Agarwal suffered a concussion after been hit on his head during nets and will miss the first Test match.
Ashish Nehra believes that KL Rahul should now be opening the innings with Rohit. Rahul had scored a hundred in the last Test match he played in England in 2018 and will hope to continue from there itself.
"The team management earlier said that we are looking at KL Rahul in the middle order. But see, I have seen KL Rahul as an opener in white-ball format. Before Hanuma Vihari, why not KL Rahul? Although I already feel that we have too many people floating around the opening slot, I hope Rohit plays all Tests. If I had to take chance, I would rather go in with KL Rahul as an opener," said Nehra.
Indian team has not won a Test series in England since 2007 and have won just two Tests in their last 14 Test matches in England on their previous three tours.
(ANI inputs)
