Aakash Chopra raises questions over 'slightly surprising' Avesh Khan exclusion

In a recent turn of events within the Indian squad, the exclusion of pacer Avesh Khan has stirred controversy and confusion. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed his confusion with the decision, questioning the reason behind the unexpected call. Bengal pacer Akash Deep earned his maiden Test India call-up in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, while Avesh Khan found himself sidelined.

Chopra feels that Avesh Khan's omission was unjustified. Despite his consistent performances and evident dedication, the sudden exclusion of Khan has raised many eyebrows.

Chopra, in his candid analysis on his YouTube channel, articulated, "Another story is that Akash Deep has come. So the question is where did Avesh go because Avesh Khan was a part of this team. I saw him bowling with full effort in Vizag. Now suddenly he is not part of this Test team. So it is slightly surprising. It's been heard that the team management has liked Akash Deep a lot because of how he bowled in the nets. He has done well for India A. So very happy for him but Avesh didn't do anything wrong."

Also read: 'No obligation to tell the world what's happening in your life' - Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli's absence from England Tests'

'If you drop someone without giving him a chance, that may not be the right thing to do': Akash Chopra

Chopra further emphasised his dissatisfaction with the decision-making process. Dropping a player without providing them a fair chance to prove their worth undermines the integrity of selection procedures. "If you drop someone who hasn't done anything wrong, it leaves a sour taste in the mouth because you didn't give him an opportunity. If you drop someone without giving him a chance, that may not be the right thing to do," Chopra remarked.

Additionally, Chopra speculated on the potential rotation strategy involving Jasprit Bumrah, which adds another layer of complexity to the squad dynamics. 

"Jasprit Bumrah is there. I feel he will play the third match for sure. He might miss the fourth in Ranchi and play the fifth in Dharamsala. A lot will depend on the result. If the Rajkot match goes awry, you will want Jasprit Bumrah to play the Ranchi match as well," the former Indian opener concluded.

The series is level by 1-1, with the third match to be played in Rajkot starting on 15th February. India will have a challenge in forming their playing XI for the next Test with some big names missing out and some with injury concerns.