Aakash Chopra views Ravindra Jadeja’s absence from second test against England as a significant setback. He believes India will notice a lack of all-round skills because Washington Sundar isn’t quite up to scratch.
With a 28-run loss in Hyderabad’s first Test, Rohit Sharma’s team took a hit. Friday, February 2, marks their next encounter against the touring squad, taking place in Visakhapatnam. It’s the second match of five. Regrettably, Jadeja won’t play due to a hamstring problem.
In a YouTube video, Aakash Chopra said that India could have to play Sundar in Jadeja’s absence. However, he argued that the Tamil Nadu all-rounder is not a great substitute for the Saurashtra player, citing:
“You are going to miss both Jadeja the batter and Jadeja the bowler. Jaddu is this team’s life. There is no doubt that he is the World No. 1 Test all-rounder. You got such a big first-innings lead because of Ravindra Jadeja. He also picks up a minimum of two to three wickets and is a gun fielder.”
“When Jaddu is not there, you feel you should pick a bowler who can bat as well. So you start thinking about Washington Sundar. He will give control but won’t be able to give wickets. He might give as much batting, he is a very good batter, but he is not Jaddu.”
Aakash Chopra
Sundar played three Tests during England’s most recent visit of India. Despite scoring 181 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 90.50, he only took two wickets at a disappointing average of 65.00.
Aakash Chopra suggests Kuldeep Yadav to stop England’s sweeping tactics
Aakash Chopra believes Kuldeep Yadav stands out as a more aggressive spinning bowler. His viewpoint:
“Playing two off-spinners becomes a question if the pitch is not an extreme turner. So you would want to play Kuldeep because you have to do something different to stop the reverse sweeps and switch sweeps. Kuldeep Yadav can do that because they (England) might fall into the trap if they don’t read him from the hand.”
Aakash Chopra
The reputable expert went on to say that the hosts would have to select between Kuldeep and Sundar depending on which area they wish to boost. He said:
“Multiple problems arise because of Jadeja’s absence. Of course, Bharat’s batting has given a little confidence. So he can bat slightly up the order but whom should they play down the order? If you want wickets – Kuldeep Yadav, if you want batting – Washington Sundar.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra believes Saurabh Kumar would not make his Visakhapatnam Test debut because the left-arm orthodox spinner cannot play ahead of Kuldeep. He ended by claiming that India is stalled due to the absence of numerous first-team regulars.