As India prepare for the crucial second Test against South Africa, former opener Aakash Chopra has suggested a tactical tweak to the batting lineup in case Shubman Gill is unavailable. Gill, who was discharged from the hospital after the first Test, still remains uncertain for the upcoming match, prompting discussions around a possible replacement. Chopra believes India must make a strategic choice rather than simply filling the slot with another left-hander.
Aakash Chopra names potential replacement of Shubman Gill
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra asserted that Ruturaj Gaikwad is the most suitable candidate to walk into the XI if Gill does not recover in time. His suggestion stems from India’s current team balance, which already features a heavy presence of left-handed batters.
“Should Ruturaj Gaikwad be selected in the Test team? You might be wondering how he can be selected as the team is already selected and no one has gone out. There is still no clarity on Shubman Gill’s participation,” Chopra said. He further noted that Gill’s availability remains a ‘question mark,’ and India must be prepared with a backup plan.
Chopra highlighted that both Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal, the two batters on standby, are left-handers — increasing the tally of left-handed players in the XI to an unusual seven if either is picked. With India already fielding six left-handers in the opening Test, he believes adding another one could be risky.
“You have Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal sitting outside — two more left-handers. You already have six left-handers in the XI. Do you want to go with seven left-handers?” he questioned.
Chopra on the Simon Harmer factor
Chopra pointed out that right-hander Gaikwad provides a crucial balance against South Africa’s bowling attack — particularly the threat posed by seasoned off-spinner Simon Harmer, who dismantled India in the first Test with his subtle variations.
The former opener stressed that having another right-handed batter in the middle would help counter Harmer more effectively, rather than exposing a long chain of left-handers to his off-spin. Chopra also praised Gaikwad’s consistent form across formats, noting that the Maharashtra batter has been piling up runs in domestic cricket as well as in India A fixtures.
“He is in excellent form. He is scoring runs for India A in white-ball cricket. Don’t know why he is not played in the days’ format when India A plays, but wherever he is playing — Ranji Trophy or Duleep Trophy — he has been scoring runs,” Chopra observed.
