IND vs SA 2021: Aakash Chopra was shocked by Priyank Panchal’s selection ahead of Abhimanyu Easwaran as Rohit Sharma’s replacement in India’s Test side for the South Africa tour.
Due to a hamstring injury, Sharma has been ruled out of the Test series against South Africa. Panchal was chosen by the selectors to replace the freshly named Test vice-captain.
“Abhimanyu Easwaran had gone to England. He was a part of the Indian team and was kept as the backup opener. But now he is not the backup opener. It is like Akkad bakkad bambe bo – that’s the feeling that you get because there is no clarity.” He elaborated
“There is a twist in the story, that begs a question to be asked that what is happening in this world? Now it seems Priyank Panchal is the backup opener, which is surprising.” Chopra said
Panchal captained the India A squad in the first two matches of the recently concluded unofficial Test series against South Africa. He scored 120 runs in three innings, with the highest score being 96.
“Let me be honest, Priyank Panchal is not a bad choice – in fact when you saw Rohit Sharma playing as a Test opener. Then also there was supposed to be a choice Priyank Panchal and Abhimanyu Easwaran but then Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri thought of opening with Rohit. Rohit started to open and Priyank Panchal and Abhimanyu Easwaran didn’t get a chance at all.” He explained
Jayant Yadav
“Jayant Yadav is in the side although Washington Sundar has started playing but no one is talking about him. Because Washington Sundar was the guy when you were celebrating the Gabba victory. He had made runs there and took wickets as well and did well in India also after that but he is not on the radar at all.” Chopra stated
Sundar has recently returned to competitive cricket for Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which is now underway. Because he was returning from a long injury layoff. The selectors may not have been confident in the spin-bowling all-all rounder’s ability. To bowl lengthier stints in the longest version of the game.
Read more: India vs South Africa: Aakash Chopra says “You will have to logically make Rahane the vice-captain”
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