Ahead of the one-off Test between India and Afghanistan, veteran cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has said that Sai Sudharsan should be retained as the No.3 batter ahead of Devdutt Padikkal. While saying that Padikkal has been in great form in domestic cricket, he also added that Sudharsan needs to be persisted with. However, India will take on Afghanistan in only Test in New Chandigarh from Saturday, June 6, onwards.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ he said, “I feel you should play Sai. You played Sai at No. 3 in the last Test match. I do know that Devdutt Padikkal is coming with great form. Their forms were equal in the IPL, but if we see before that, Devdutt Padikkal’s first-class form was outstanding. He had an average of 90 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and an average of over 50 even in the Ranji Trophy. So he is coming after scoring runs, and it seems like you should go towards him.”

“However, how will a player get ready if you keep doing like that? You played Sai against the West Indies. He scored runs in the last match, and then you dropped him immediately for the next match. Then you played him a match. Sai won’t get ready if you drop him again. Even Devdutt won’t get ready if you keep playing the game of musical chairs like this. So you will have to stick with Sai Sudharsan for now,” he again shared.

Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra also stated why Gurnoor Brar was selected before Auqib Nabi for the one-off Test against Afghanistan.

“I don’t know. I think the Indian selection committee was probably looking for extra bounce and pace, and that’s why they have taken Gurnoor Brar. He has performed well in domestic cricket, but his domestic performance is not as good as Auqib’s,” he added.

“I think Auqib will go to New Zealand. Considering his bowling setup, he is absolutely perfect for the Kiwi conditions. If you are Auqib Nabi, his fan, or family member, you have every right to feel absolutely distraught,” Chopra concluded.