Aakash Chopra picks India’s openers for WTC Final

India is scheduled to play the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship against New Zealand from June 18 to June 22 at Southampton. Ahead of the marquee event, India will have a big headache while selecting their perfect playing XI as over the past few months, many players have made their Test debuts and have proved their mettle.

The biggest challenge for India will be choosing the opening partnership and right pace combination. While Rohit Sharma is an obvious choice for the opening slot, confusion will be between Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill. Mayank failed to perform during the first two Test matches against Australia and was thus dropped from the playing XI.

Gill made his debut for India in the purest format of the game during the second Test match against Australia and managed to impress the cricket fraternity with his grit and character. However, the batter failed to continue his form during the four-match Test series against England. Detailing his opinion on the issue, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra reckoned that Gill should be the preferred choice as India shouldn’t compromise with the continuity.

“Between Gill and Mayank, you will have to go towards Gill and you should go as well because Shubman Gill played in your last Test series. He may not have scored the runs but it is better not to compromise the continuity for everyone, even for the player,” said Aakash Chopra in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.

I am picking Mohammed Shami ahead of Mohammed Siraj: Aakash Chopra

Further in the interaction, Chopra picked Mohammed Shami ahead of Mohammed Siraj. Shami last donned the Indian colors during the first Test match against Australia. His injury in the game paved away for Siraj and the 27-year-old grabbed the opportunity with both hands and ended up as the highest run-getter for India during the Australia tour of India.

Though Siraj has been impressive, Chopra believes that the English conditions will suit Shami and he can make a better impact with his pace and swing.

“I will go with Mohammed Shami. It is because Shami is pedigree. If you see the English conditions, Shami’s wrist position is the best in the world, no one releases the ball better from the hand than him,” said Chopra.

“The pace at which he bowls, the long spells he can bowl and the way he can make the ball talk, I am picking Mohammed Shami ahead of Mohammed Siraj. I love Mohammed Siraj but if I have to choose between the two, I am going with Mohammed Shami,” he added.