Former India cricketer Ajit Agarkar has said that Murali Vijay and KL Rahul should open the batting for the hosts in the opening Test of the three-match series against New Zealand starting in Kanpur.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, the 38-year-old felt that Shikhar Dhawan has had a long rope as an opener and at present, one could not drop Rahul and Vijay provided the solidity needed at the top of the order.
“In my opinion, It’s a no-brainer really. I think Shikhar has been quite lucky to get as long a rope as he has. Sometimes every captain likes certain players in the team. But you can’t leave Rahul out and Vijay has probably one of the most successful openers in the last few years, particularly overseas,” Agarkar said .
Also speaking on the decision to include both Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara and who should get the nod, Agarkar felt that whoever gets the nod, should ply all the three Tests since that would provide the player with a bit of security over his place in the team.
“I feel whoever they start in the first Test should ideally get all three Tests.Just to get that six innings. Sometimes when you know that there is a squad hanging over your head, you maybe play a bit differently to what your natural game is.You want your players to feel secure,” he said.
It will now be interesting to see what India eventually do. Whether they play five bowlers and bank on R Ashwin with the bat or take the safe option and play seven batsmen in the opening Test staring at the Green park, next Thursday.
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