'He's a similar player, but not part of the squad' - Aakash Chopra names his India's XI for Lord's Test

The second Test match between England and India will begin on Thursday (August 12) at the Lord’s Stadium. Both teams are Even Stevens after the first Test ended in a draw. India skipper Virat Kohli spoke about the template of 4-1 pace spin combination for the few Tests that are to follow, although he may have to tweak in the second red-ball game of the tour, due to Shardul Thakur being ruled out.

With Ishant Sharma available for selection and his impressive performance in the Lord’s Test in 2014, Kohli can go with that option, or he can go with all-rounder Ravi Ashwin who can lend depth to the batting department. Former India batter VVS Laxman already spoke about how Ashwin is capable in both departments and adds depth to bowling too.

Now, cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra also echoed Laxman’s sentiments and has given a nod to include the off-spinner in place of seam bowling all-rounder Thakur. The 43-year-old also said that there’s no player like Thakur in the world due to him providing options in the batting and bowling departments of the game.

“With Shardul Thakur getting ruled out, the combination has to change for India. There’s no player like Shardul in the world. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a similar kind of player, but he’s not there in the squad. So, I feel Ashwin should come into the XI. India should play with three pacers and two spinners,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Aakash Chopra feels India’s batting order is sorted

After being concussed in nets by pacer Mohammed Siraj, Mayank Agarwal is fit and available for selection. In his absence, KL Rahul had a good game, as he scored a well compiled 84 and 26 in the first and second innings respectively. Chopra though does not want to make any changes in the batting lineup.

“Mayank Agarwal is available for selection but, I don’t want to make any changes to the batting department. So, there’s only one change as Ashwin comes in for Shardul,” Chopra added.

Aakash Chopra’s India XI for Lord’s Test: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah