Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed concerns that the Indian team could face another heavy defeat if they opt to prepare a rank turner pitch for the second Test against South Africa. He highlighted that the hosts are in a challenging position, further complicated by uncertainties surrounding Shubman Gill’s availability.
South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in the first Test held in Kolkata on Sunday, November 16. The final Test of the two-match series is scheduled to begin in Guwahati on Saturday, November 22.
### Aakash Chopra on India’s Dilemma with Pitch Preparation
During an interaction on Star Sports, Chopra was asked about India’s potential plans for Guwahati, especially concerning the pitch conditions, considering how effectively South African spinners bowled in the first Test and the likely availability of pacer Kagiso Rabada.
“It’s a tough decision now,” Chopra said. “The story would have been different if you had come into this match after winning or drawing the first Test. But you have now reached a desperate zone. Fifty percent of the points are still at stake from the World Test Championship (WTC) perspective, but for that, will you again prepare such a helpful pitch?”
He went on to add, “You have stuck yourself in the web you spun. If you do that again, you might be beaten badly once more. I think they are in a tricky spot. Shubman Gill’s injury has just added salt to the existing wounds that are already open right now. I don’t have a clear answer as to what the Indian team would be thinking at this point.”
### Shubman Gill’s Injury Concern
Shubman Gill retired hurt due to neck spasms after facing just three deliveries in India’s first innings in the Kolkata Test. He was unavailable for the remainder of the game and remains doubtful for the second Test in Guwahati.
### Washington Sundar’s Role at No. 3: “Very Difficult” to Predict
Chopra was also asked on Star Sports whether Washington Sundar would continue to bat at No. 3 in the Guwahati Test.
“Very difficult,” he responded. “I have still not been able to understand whether they played Washi because they wanted to play four spinners or because Washi himself should have played at No. 3. Until that question is answered, it’s impossible to say why Washi played there.”
While acknowledging that Washington Sundar batted well at No. 3 in Kolkata, Chopra pointed out that Sai Sudharsan had also performed impressively in the same position against the West Indies.
“Washi played extremely well, considering the pitch, so he should continue,” Chopra said. “But Sai was saying that he scored 87 and 39 against the West Indies, so he also played well. So why was he left out? Was it a tactical call depending on the surface, or was it that they didn’t have confidence in Sai and didn’t think he would score runs here? I really don’t know the answer.”
### Washington Sundar’s Performance in the Kolkata Test
Washington Sundar was India’s second-highest run-scorer in the first innings of the Kolkata Test, scoring 29 runs off 82 balls, behind only KL Rahul’s 39 off 119. He also top-scored with 29 runs off 82 balls in the second innings but couldn’t lead India to victory.
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Stay tuned for more updates and expert analyses as India prepares for the crucial second Test against South Africa.
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