News
Wasim Jaffer names batting-order for 2nd Test vs New Zealand
By SMCS - Nov 29, 2021 9:10 pm
Views 66

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer is quite active on social media. Recently, he has commented on the probable batting order for the second Test against New Zealand. The Test will take place in Mumbai from December 3 as well. However, he has suggested playing Wriddhiman Saha as the opener if Mayank Agarwal gets dropped from playing XI in the game.

wriddhiman saha
Wriddhiman Saha scored a gritty fifty

Wriddhiman Saha showcased his class in the second innings. He had earlier faced a neck issue but he didn’t sit outside and came to bat as well as scored his first half-century in eleven Tests. According to Jaffer, the best position for Wriddhiman Saha is the opening slot as the regular captain Virat Kohli returns as well.

READ HERE: Shaun Tait explains why speedsters struggle to bowl 150+kmph

“I think I will open with Saha if at all Mayank goes out because then everybody bats out of their position. Pujara will open and then Rahane will bat at some other position. If Saha opens then everyone bats at the same position. And you can do that in Indian conditions with Saha. Is it a long-term call? Definitely not because India will go to South Africa. So they’ll have to reconsider their top-six for Mumbai,” Wasim Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo.

rohit sharma
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Meanwhile, he has also said that only 2 players are expected to be axed from Team India and they are – Mayank Agarwal and Ajinkya Rahane. However, Rahane has been going through a bad phase with the bat alongside Cheteshwar Pujara. On the other hand, Virat Kohli will return to the squad for the second Test as well.

READ HERE: Aakash Chopra opens up on New Zealand’s T20 World Cup squad

“It’s a toss-up between Mayank and Rahane. I would think on those two. That’s the toss-up that Virat Kohli has to make. Whether he wants to go with Agarwal and give him another go or whether [he thinks] Rahane hasn’t got enough runs in the last 10-12 Test matches after that Melbourne Test so he goes out. It’s a tough call, definitely a tough call. It depends on whom the sword falls on,” Wasim Jaffer concluded.