“Tells me they are not thinking about Shubman Gill” – Aakash Chopra on Gautam Gambhir naming Easwaran and Rahul as India’s BGT 2024-25 opening options

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has noted that India’s think tank is not thinking about opening the innings with Shubman Gill after head coach Gautam Gambhir named Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul as the opening options in Rohit Sharma’s absence.

Gill is all set to bat at number three and it will be interesting to note who India will pick between Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul as Rohit Sharma is set to miss out due to personal reasons.

In Rohit Sharma’s absence, Jasprit Bumrah is all set to lead the team in the opening Test at Perth against Australia.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “At this point in time, there is a huge question mark over Rohit Sharma’s availability. He (Gambhir) also said that he would inform the media once he comes to know before the start of the series. However, if he is not there, Jasprit Bumrah will be the captain. There was no doubt about that since he had been appointed vice-captain but a stamp has been put on that.”

“The second big question was who would open. He said they have two options in Abhimanyu Easwaran and KL Rahul, which tells me they are not thinking about Shubman Gill. I had floated the idea that you could try opening with Shubman Gill but he said he should continue doing what he is doing and why should he be touched. It’s alright,” Chopra added.

On the other hand, chief head coach Gautam Gambhir also backed under-fire KL Rahul to get back into form. Chopra highlighted that having patience is nice but this is going to be a critical tour for the Karnataka batter.

“He spoke about the other players as well that they are very good. He spoke about KL Rahul that he has the versatility that very few players have, and since he is being sent up and down the order a lot, we need to be a little more patient with him. You know I like KL Rahul’s game. I also feel patience is nice but this tour will be extremely critical because opening there won’t be easy,” Chopra said.

The renowned commentator said Gambhir needs to be given credit for getting the best out of Sanju Samson, Varun Chakravarthy, and Washington Sundar.

“There is another thing for which he is not getting enough credit. There have been three comebacks – Varun Chakaravarthy, Sanju Samson and Washington Sundar – and three of them have been incredible. The credit for that, of course, goes to the selectors but will go to the coach as well because he backed them. It speaks very highly,” Chopra observed.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.