Virat Kohli has opted out of the first two Tests in the upcoming IND vs ENG Test series, citing personal reasons. This absence poses a challenge for Rohit Sharma’s team, impacting the batting lineup. Renowned commentator and former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has been designated as Kohli’s replacement.
In a YouTube video, Chopra proposed Sai Sudharsan as a viable replacement for Kohli in the Indian squad for the first two Tests. The five-Test series begins in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 25. Chopra highlighted Sudharsan’s versatility, stating, “The third left-hander that comes to my mind is Sai Sudharsan. It’s a slightly out-of-the-box suggestion but it is not wrong. He scored runs in the IPL final but he is not a one-trick pony either.”
Chopra emphasized Sudharsan’s adaptability, noting his impressive 90-plus run innings against the England Lions. Sudharsan, a left-hander from Tamil Nadu, recently amassed 127 runs in three ODIs against South Africa, averaging 63.50. With 989 runs in 15 first-class games, including a notable 97-run knock against England Lions, Sudharsan emerges as a compelling option.
Chopra added, “He scores runs in all three formats. Recently, he scored fifties in his first two ODI innings and scored 90-plus runs against the England Lions as well. He is consistently scoring runs, and the clean way in which he plays, it seems like he is made for Test cricket.”
In the video, Chopra also mentioned other potential replacements for Kohli, including Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rinku Singh. The dynamic options provide depth to the Indian squad as they prepare to face England in the upcoming series.
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