Former India opener Aakash Chopra has laid out a clear and urgent to-do list for the Indian team ahead of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, beginning November 22. With India trailing 0–1 after a disappointing 30-run defeat in Kolkata, the pressure is firmly on the hosts to level the series and avoid another rare home Test loss.
India’s biggest concern stems from the Eden Gardens pitch, which was prepared as a rank turner but ended up backfiring spectacularly. The match lasted barely more than two days, prompting heavy criticism from fans, experts, and former players. Even though head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the surface, the consensus remains that the pitch did more harm than good.
Adding to India’s woes is the uncertainty surrounding skipper Shubman Gill’s fitness. Gill suffered a neck injury on Day 2 of the first Test and missed the remainder of the match, leaving his participation in the Guwahati Test highly doubtful.
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On November 20, Aakash Chopra took to social media to outline three key steps India must take to bounce back. His first suggestion was to prepare a balanced, competitive pitch designed for a complete five-day contest rather than a premature lottery. A proper Test wicket, he stressed, is essential for India to regain control of the series.
To-do list for the Guwahati Test
1. Prepare a better pitch that is meant to have a 5-day Test. Not a 2.5 day lottery.
2. Play 6 proper batters. Four spinners + two pacers doesn’t work in Tests.
3. In case Gill isn’t available, play Jurel at four.You can add your wish-list in…
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 20, 2025
Chopra’s second point focused on team composition. He strongly advised the management to play six specialist batters, stating that the combination of four spinners and two pacers doesn’t work in Test cricket. India’s fragile batting in Kolkata only reinforced this concern.
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His final recommendation addressed the possibility of Shubman Gill’s absence. If the captain is ruled out, Aakash Chopra believes wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel should be promoted to No. 4 to maintain stability in the middle order.
India currently sits fourth in the World Test Championship standings, making the Guwahati Test even more crucial. Whether the team management takes Chopra’s advice could shape the remainder of their red-ball season.
