Aakash Chopra has raised doubts about the selectors’ choice to swap Avesh Khan with Akash Deep in the Indian squad for the remaining three Tests against England. Over the past couple of years, Avesh Khan can be seen representing India in the shorter formats as his exclusion for England Tests is quite a mystery.
Apart from Jasprit Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar, who were part of the playing XI, Avesh was the only seamer in India’s squad for the second Test after Mohammed Siraj had been given a break. While Siraj has returned for the final three Tests, the Madhya Pradesh seamer has made way for Akash Deep.
I saw Avesh Khan bowling with full effort in Vizag- Aakash Chopra
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra expressed astonishment at the decision to include Akash Deep in the Indian squad instead of Avesh Khan. He remarked,
“Another story is that Akash Deep has come. So the question is where did Avesh go because Avesh Khan was a part of this team. I saw him bowling with full effort in Vizag. Now suddenly he is not part of this Test team. So it is slightly surprising,”
While acknowledging that the team management might have been impressed by the performances of the Bengal seamer, Chopra added that he felt Avesh Khan didn’t deserve to be dropped from the squad.
“It’s been heard that the team management has liked Akash Deep a lot because of how he bowled in the nets. He has done well for India A. So very happy for him but Avesh didn’t do anything wrong,” Aakash Chopra stated.
Akash Deep has an impressive record in first-class cricket, having taken 103 wickets at an average of 23.18 in 29 matches. Additionally, he showcased his talent with 11 wickets in two unofficial Test matches for India A against the England Lions.
That may not be the right thing to do- Aakash Chopra on dropping Avesh Khan
Aakash Chopra criticized the selectors for their decision to exclude Avesh Khan from the squad without providing him with an opportunity to prove himself. He said,
“If you drop someone who hasn’t done anything wrong, it leaves a sour taste in the mouth because you didn’t give him an opportunity. If you drop someone without giving him a chance, that may not be the right thing to do,”
The respected commentator anticipates that Jasprit Bumrah will feature in the third Test and might sit out the fourth Test, depending on the outcome of the match in Rajkot.
“Jasprit Bumrah is there. I feel he will play the third match for sure. He might miss the fourth in Ranchi and play the fifth in Dharamsala. A lot will depend on the result. If the Rajkot match goes awry, you will want Jasprit Bumrah to play the Ranchi match as well,” he elaborated.
Aakash Chopra concluded by emphasizing the significance of securing a series victory, suggesting that even if it means missing the IPL, it would be a worthwhile sacrifice for Bumrah.