Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023: Aakash Chopra shares his thoughts on India’s batting order for Nagpur Test

Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes that KL Rahul should open the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma in the first Test against Australia at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur starting February 9. He stated that the 30-year-old is best suited at the top of the order and should continue playing in that position.

However, with Shreyas Iyer's availability being subject to fitness, Chopra believes that Rahul may once again have to play at number five. He stated that neither Shubman Gill nor Rohit Sharma will play at number five and by virtue of being an extremely versatile cricketer, Rahul can be seen batting at number five.

“There are so many permutations and combinations as answers to that one question. Logically, Rahul (KL) should open with Rohit (Sharma). He is the vice-captain and was the captain if we talk about the last series. That's his ideal position. He scores runs there only, so KL Rahul should open,” said Chopra on his YouTube segment Aakashvani.

“I feel because KL Rahul is an extremely versatile player, and it happens with him every time, because others might not be able to do that good a job there (at number five), Rohit and Shubman Gill will not go down the order, I think KL Rahul will be batting at No. 5 and you might see Shubman Gill opening,” the former cricketer further added.

KS Bharat can play at number six: Chopra

With Rishabh Pant being ruled out following a major car accident, the number six position is now up for grabs. As per Chopra, Bharat can replace the southpaw in the playing XI. The 45-year-old also mentioned that the flamboyant batter Suryakumar Yadav can play at number five if KL Rahul opens the innings but according to him, the team management might bench him for the first Test.

“Rishabh Pant is also not there at No. 6 at the moment, so KS Bharat might come in there. Can there be a place for Suryakumar Yadav?

You might then see Suryakumar Yadav's debut there (at number five). Maybe you are not comfortable with that thought, that is a possibility (he can be on the bench)” Chopra said.

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