IND vs SA 2021-22: Former Indian opener and one of the most famous Hindi cricket commentators in India, Aakash Chopra has picked his India squad for the much awaited tour of South Africa, and he ashen included India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane in the 15-man squad that he announced on the social media.
Fans in India are very excited about the IND vs SA series, which will be played in the Rainbow nation, and will Ajinkya Rahane be in the squad for that tour is one of the most burning questions in the Indian cricket.
But, Aakash Chopra, who is known for sharing his views in the most bold and fearless manner, believes that Ajinkya Rahane doesn’t deserve to be a part of the squad for IND vs SA 2021-22.
Aakash Chopra has picked Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul as India’s opener, with Cheteshwar Pujara at no. 3 and the Indian captain Virat Kohli at no. 5.
“I have picked Rohit as my opener, without doubt. I have picked Rahul as my opener, without doubt. Rohit and Rahul was straightforward decision, they are doing well. They forged a new partnership in England and did very well.
I have kept Pujara in my team and I have picked my XI as well. I will play him at No. 3 in this team. There is a lot of pressure on him and this tour is very important for him but as of now, Pujara is there. At No. 4, I have got Kohli, there is no doubt in that,” Aakash Chopra said.
Chopra also added that young Indian batter Shreyas Iyer, who scored a hundred and a fifty in his debut Test match against New Zealand, for the no. 5 spot, followed by Rishabh Pant at no. 6 and Ravindra Jadeja at mo. 7.
“Rishabh Pant at six, five batters and a keeper. Pant as a keeper and batter is in my side. I am not changing the captain’s philosophy, he has said that he will play five bowlers and I have made the team according to that. At No. 7, Ravindra Jadeja. Jaddu as a batsman, Jaddu as a bowler, Jaddu as a fielder, Jaddu as a gun player,” added Aakash Chopra.
In the bowling department, Chopra believes that India should play with two spinners and 3 fast bowlers because in most cases, the fourth fast bowler remains under bowled. And Ashwin’s presence at no. 8 will strengthen India’s batting department as well.
Aakash Chopra’s squad for IND vs SA:
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav
OUR VIEW: We agree with every name that Aakash Chopra has picked in this squad and also with the playing XI that he has suggested. India shouldn’t get too excited with the prospect of playing 4 fast bowlers, because they have good fast bowlers, and play both Jadeja and Ashwin, as they strengthen the batting unit and add more vareity in the bowling attack. Ajinkya Rahane’s absence is also justified as he has been given too many chances to prove his worth and make a significant performance, but he has failed to do so. He must go back the Ranji Trophy and NCA, and work hard on his game.
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