KL Rahul might not play the first Test against Australia: Aakash Chopra

The practice sessions are on in full enthusiasm ahead of the much-awaited Pink ball Test match in Adelaide between India and Australia on December 17. The two nations have already played two warm-up matches before the high profile event lining up. In terms of the squad coming up for the first Test on the field, Aakash Chopra reckons that KL Rahul might not land up in the playing XI of India in the opening Test.

Chopra reasoned so as KL Rahul wasn’t up in either of the practice matches that came in action these days. However, his records in the longest format of the game are good enough that he can be taken into consideration for the opening slot along with Prithvi Shaw or Shubman Gill.

“KL Rahul has a case to be India’s opener for the first Test. You might ask why I am making his case. It is because his stats might say something, he has scored runs at an average of 36 in thirty-three Test matches and has scored five centuries as an opener,” stated Chopra while speaking on his YouTube channel.

Chopra also added that KL Rahul has done well enough in overseas conditions. In fact, he has a Test century in Australia, England, and West Indies. However, Rahul’s last 10 Test innings don’t’ speak in his favour, and therefore, he might not be considered.

KL Rahul is a very good player: Chopra

“So, he is a very good player. Although, if you see his last ten knocks in Test cricket, you will find that he has not scored too many runs. That is something that is going against him,” he added.

Chopra stated that Rahul has a brilliant record in short formats of the game, and his numbers have also leveled up in the longest format, but not playing any of the practice matches goes against him.

“KL Rahul having not played a warm-up match goes against him. It was understandable that he didn’t play the first one because he was playing the T20Is, but he could have played the second pink-ball match,” concluded Chopra.

Here is the video-