Aakash Slams Rohit and Kohli for Missing Australia A Games
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has questioned the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the upcoming India A vs Australia A one-day matches in Kanpur. The series will be played from September 30 to October 5, with Rajat Patidar leading the side in the first game and Tilak Varma taking charge in the next two.
Chopra pointed out that both senior players have been away from competitive cricket for months and should have used this opportunity to find form ahead of tougher assignments.
Chopra Calls Out Missed Opportunity
Sharing his thoughts on his YouTube channel, Chopra remarked:
“Neither Rohit nor Kohli is playing. Of course, it’s the India A matches against Australia A, and under normal circumstances, we would say it doesn’t make a difference as Rohit and Kohli wouldn’t play. However, if you see, when was the last time they played competitive cricket? Kohli last played in the IPL final and Rohit Sharma played even before that.”
He suggested that the selection committee probably reached out to both but they turned down the offer.
“I am sure the selectors would have asked them and they would have refused. Why am I saying that the selectors would have asked them? Considering the team that has been picked, it has even been tried to include the Asia Cup players, so that some form stays with them and they keep playing competitive games,” Chopra explained.
Warning on Lack of Match Practice
Chopra stressed the importance of getting game time before major tournaments.
“I personally feel that when you haven’t played cricket for such a long time, you have to give yourself some chance, that you get a little rhythm and play a few games. If you are not going to play at all, you are not setting yourself up for success,” he stated.
With India A preparing to face Australia A, the non-participation of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has become a key talking point in cricket circles.
India A Squads for the Series
1st One-Dayer (Captain: Rajat Patidar): Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Priyansh Arya, Simarjeet Singh.
2nd & 3rd One-Dayers (Captain: Tilak Varma, Vice-Captain: Rajat Patidar): Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Riyan Parag, Ayush Badoni, Suryansh Shedge, Vipraj Nigam, Nishant Sindhu, Gurjapneet Singh, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Abhishek Porel (WK), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh.
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