Aakash Chopra elects India's openers for WTC Final

Renowned commentator Aakash Chopra picks India's opening combination ahead of the World Test Championship final. The World Test Championship final is going to take place between India and NZ in Southampton in June. It is going to be played in a bio-secure bubble at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. The final, which was eventually supposed to take place in Lord's ground in London, was shifted to the Rose Bowl in Southampton owing to COVID-19 restrictions. It will be played from June 18-22, with 23 being a reserve day. 

Ahead of the most awaited event, the Indian team management will be concerned while selecting their perfect playing XI. Over the last few months, many players have made their Test debuts and have been performing brilliantly. It will be interesting to see whom the management picks to open the innings for India. While Rohit Sharma is an obvious choice for the opening position, confusion will be between Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill. Mayank Agarwal failed to perform during the first two Test matches against Australia. Thus, the batsman dropped from the playing XI.

English conditions will suit Shami more: Aakash Chopra

On the other hand, Shubman Gill made his debut for India in the purest format of the game during the second Test match against Australia. The young batsman managed to impress the entire cricket fraternity with his grit and character. Unfortunately, however, the opening batsman failed to continue his form during the four-match Test series against England. Detailing his opinion on the issue, former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra reckoned that Shubman Gill should be the preferred choice as the team shouldn't compromise with the continuity.

The 21-year-old batsman made his Test debut in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar series. Gill was brought in as a replacement for Prithvi Shaw. The youngster also notched up his maiden half-century in Sydney and smashed a game-changing knock of 91 runs in the second innings of Brisbane's final Test. Gill's brilliant innings on the final day were something that will always be remembered. In just three Tests, Shubman Gill accumulated 259 runs at a brilliant average of 51.80. He also scored two half-centuries in the series.

Further in the discussion, Chopra stated that the management should pick Mohammed Shami ahead of Mohammed Siraj. Although Mohammed Siraj has been impressive, Chopra opines that the English conditions will suit Shami more. The former believes that Shami can make a better impact with his pace and swing.

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