Aakash Chopra believes KL Rahul’s ailment is more than just a niggle, as it was first believed to be, given that he is missing his third straight Test.
KL Rahul couldn’t play India’s second Test versus England due to pain in his right quad from the first match in the five-part series. He planned a third Test comeback, but missed it. So, he won’t play in the fourth Test starting in Ranchi, Friday, February 23.
Chopra shared a video on YouTube about Rahul’s situation. It seems this injury is worse than first thought.
“They were saying that KL Rahul would be available for the next match and then the match after that, the third and the fourth Test, but now he could probably be available for the fifth, we don’t know as of now. So, it started as a niggle, maybe there is a bit more to it. You and I will never know.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener noted that Rahul’s absence will most likely provide Rajat Patidar another chance to demonstrate his abilities.
“Since he is not available, it means there will be no change in the Indian XI as far as the batting lineup is concerned. So it’s a golden opportunity for Rajat Patidar to score runs, or else it could be a problem.”
Aakash Chopra
Patidar scored a meager 46 runs, averaging only 11.50 across four innings in the following two Tests. His debut in Visakhapatnam started with promise – he made 32 runs. Unfortunately, he failed to make two digits in his subsequent performances.
“Whether you play Mukesh Kumar or Akash Deep, play a spinner” – Aakash Chopra
While recognizing that he hasn’t seen the Ranchi pitch yet, Aakash Chopra believes India would be better off fielding Axar Patel rather than Mukesh Kumar or Akash Deep.
“In bowling, whether you play Mukesh Kumar or Akash Deep, play a spinner because there isn’t going to be much help for fast bowlers here. I have not been to Ranchi yet, I am going, but a spinner in Axar Patel is sitting outside.”
“So Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin can be your four spinners plus Mohammed Siraj – play with that. It won’t make a difference. The rest of the team can be same to same.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra believes India rested Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test because they would need him more for the last game in Dharamsala. He noted that the pitch in Ranchi is anticipated to be sluggish and will provide little assistance to the seamers.