Team India is looking to wrap up the Kiwi batting line-up on the fifth day of the Kanpur Test to attain a lead in the 2-match Test series. The second Test will commence on 3rd December and Virat Kohli will be making a comeback to the team. As Kohli enters the team, one of the players from the current playing XI will have to be axed. Ahead of the second Test, ex-Indian cricketer, Wasim Jaffer suggests interesting batting-order for the Indian team.
In the absence of Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane has been leading the troop and has done a brilliant job as far as his captaincy is concerned. However, the stand-in captain has not been able to contribute with the bat which could lead to his exclusion in the second Test match against New Zealand. While the Indian team will be pondering upon the playing XI for the second Test, Wasim Jaffer suggests interesting batting-order for the Mumbai Test.
Saha to open; Iyer and Rahane get a place in Jaffer’s team
Jaffer while talking to ESPNcricinfo said that either Mayank Agarwal will be axed from the team. He added that if Agarwal is going to miss out on the second Test, Wriddhiman Shah should open with Shubman Gill as Wasim Jaffer suggests interesting batting-order for the Indian team. Jaffer agrees to the fact that it will be a tough decision for Kohli to make, but he will have to take a call.
“I think I will open with Saha if at all Mayank Agarwal goes out because then everybody bats out of their position. Pujara will open and then Ajinkya Rahane will bat at some other position… If Saha opens then everyone bats at the same position. And you can do that in Indian conditions with Saha. Is it a long-term call? Definitely not because India will go to South Africa. So, they’ll have to reconsider their top-six for Mumbai,” Jaffer was quoted saying.
Both Mayank Agarwal and Ajinkya Rahane have been out of touch for quite some time, especially Rahane. As Wasim Jaffer suggests interesting batting-order, It will be interesting to see team India’s playing XI in the second Test with Kohli at the helm. As for the first Test, team India is searching for wickets in order to trump New Zealand and gain a lead in the series.