‘There’s going to be a bit of chat about this’ – Brad Hogg on prospect of Suryakumar Yadav replacing Ajinkya Rahane in 4th Test

After playing some quality Test cricket in the first two games, Team India suffered a horrendous outing against England in the third game of the series. Joe Root’s men comprehensively won the contest by an innings and 76 runs, leveling the five-match series 1-1. While several things didn’t go well for India, their dual batting collapses were the major reason behind their horrendous outing.

Hence, many fans and experts are expecting to see a different batting line-up in the fourth game. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is one batter who has been short of runs lately. Hence, several believe the veteran should make way for the likes of Hanuma Vihari and Suryakyumar Yadav. However, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg is not of the same opinion.

On being asked about the prospect of Suryakumar replacing Rahane in the fourth Test, Hogg asserted India should stick with the veteran. Highlighting Rahane has played several match-winning knocks in the past, the 50-year-old said the right-handed batter should be backed because of his experience. He also asserted that Suryakyumar made be troubled against the swinging dukes ball.

Ajinkya Rahane is an experienced player: Brad Hogg

“There’s going to be a bit of chat about this. I think SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) is the player to come in the middle order, if they want to make that change, but they have to be very careful because Rahane is a very experienced customer. In the previous Test match, he had a very good innings (61 at Lord’s), he has done the job a lot for India before. Remember, it’s 1-1 right now, you don’t want to panic and make extreme changes,” Hogg said on his YouTube channel.

“I still think they should go with the same batting line-up for the next Test match. These guys will have to wait. You got to back the players who have been in there and done the job before and I think. With SKY coming at number five, remember that you have got (Rishabh) Pant at number six. So, you have two aggressive batsmen in a row and with the moving ball, it could be a bit of risk,” he added.

Meanwhile, the fourth and penultimate Test gets underway on September 2 at the Kennington Oval in London. With the series poised at 1-1, the winner of this contest would gain an unassailable 2-1 lead. Hence, both teams must put their best foot forward in London.