No changes should be made for the 3rd test – Aakash Chopra sticks with the same Playing XI

Aakash Chopra has picked his playing XI for the third Test at Headingley. And that playing XI is the same team, no changes should be made. Rightly so, Aakash.

India heads into the Headingley test with a 1-0 lead as the visitors won the second test comfortably with the all-round contribution of each and every player of the playing eleven. Since all the players are in their top conditions and also luckily, no one is injured among them, everyone is fit, it seems to be a logical thought to play the same eleven players.

Pujara and Rahane have silenced their critics: Aakash Chopra

While sharing his preferred XI through a video on his channel, Chopra insisted that there should not be any doubts regarding Pujara’s spot in the playing eleven. He defended Pujara by saying, “If you ask me personally, there is no scope of change in the Indian team. Rahul and Rohit open, Pujara at No.3. He has scored runs now, be absolutely quiet, no one should talk about him.”

The former Indian cricketer turned commentator also opined that Rahane has also answered his critics with his gritty knock in the second innings at Lord’s. Chopra elaborated the point by saying,” Big runs are due from Virat Kohli, he is going to be there anyway. Rahane has also scored runs now, no one should talk about him as well. So, Ajju will also play. After that Rishabh Pant.”

“Jaddu should keep his place in the team” – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra asserted that Ravindra Jadeja must be played though he is wicketless so far. He reasoned this by saying,”Jaddu has not taken a single wicket till now. But Jaddu has scored very good runs and despite him not taking wickets, you have taken 20-20 wickets. So there is no worry about Ravindra Jadeja not picking wickets.”

The 43-year-old also wants India to play the same four pacers who played at Lord’s. He observed: “The same fast bowling combination – Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Bumrah, and Siraj. I know it’s not fair on Shardul if he doesn’t get the chance to play but in my opinion, he will not get it. I would not drop Ishant Sharma or Mohammed Shami or Bumrah or Siraj.”

Despite Bumrah and Shami proving their ability with the bat at Lord’s, the Indian Team might be slightly worried about their weak lower order.Shardul Thakur and Ravi Ashwin might be considered due to their skilled batting abilities.