Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant's absence from New Zealand Test series squad leaves Aakash Chopra worried

There have been several significant inclusions and exclusions in India’s squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. India will host the Kiwis in three T20Is and two Test matches and it would be interesting to see how these contests pan out. With Team India playing regular cricket since a while, several senior players have been rested from the T20I series. However, the likes of Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant have been rested from the Test series as well.

Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen to manage players’ workload after several members complained about bio-bubble fatigue. Selecting format-specific players for the upcoming assignments is the first step. Notably, skipper Virat Kohli will also give the first Test a miss. However, he’s set to feature in the second game.

Aakash Chopra feels Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant would be underprepared for South Africa tour

With Rohit and Rishabh missing the entire Test series, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra is a bit worried. Notably, India would play three Test matches in South Africa following the conclusion of the New Zealand series. Hence, Chopra is concerned about the fact that Rohit and Pant will be short of match practice.

“If Rohit is not playing even one Test match, Rishabh Pant is also not playing and they are going to be surely a part of our XI in the first Test against South Africa, I am a little worried. I am just wondering, is it not a preparation for South Africa? Why am I saying the second match is important?” Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

“You don’t play the first, you can take a break in between because when you go to South Africa and there is no game time in between, it is going to be tough. The batters need some time in the middle, they should be used to scoring runs on the pitch,” he added.

While Rohit, India’s new T20I captain, has been on a roll this year, Pant wasn’t at his prime during the Test series against England earlier this year. Nevertheless, the duo will play the three-match T20I matches against New Zealand and would be critical to India’s success.