Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about the exclusion of Avesh Khan from India’s Test squad for the last three matches against England. The team unexpectedly dropped Avesh, who was initially part of the squad for the first two Tests, without playing a match. The selectors opted to give Bengal pacer Akash Deep his maiden Test call-up instead.
Chopra, expressing surprise over Avesh’s sudden exclusion, highlighted the contrast in treatment between Avesh and Akash Deep. He observed that Avesh had impressed the team management as a net bowler, making his omission without any apparent reason puzzling.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra expressed surprise over Avesh Khan’s omission. “A different aspect to consider is the arrival of Akash Deep. The query arises: Where did Avesh go? Avesh Khan was initially part of this squad. I witnessed him putting in a full effort while bowling in Vizag. Now, he is suddenly not part of the Test team. It is a bit surprising,” he said.
Chopra emphasized that dropping Avesh Khan was unfair, as Avesh had done nothing wrong. He acknowledged that Akash Deep had earned praise from the team management for his net bowling performances and contributions for India A against England Lions.
“It’s been mentioned that the team management is impressed with Akash Deep’s bowling in the nets. He performed well for India A, and I’m pleased for him. However, Avesh didn’t make any mistakes,” he added.
Chopra also criticized the selectors for not giving Avesh Khan an opportunity before dropping him.
“If you remove someone who hasn’t made any mistakes, it leaves a negative feeling because you didn’t provide them with an opportunity. Dropping someone without giving them a chance might not be the fairest decision,” he said.
Shifting the focus to the workload management of Jasprit Bumrah, Chopra speculated on the fast bowler’s potential involvement in the upcoming matches.
“Jasprit Bumrah is available. I believe he will participate in the third match without a doubt. There’s a chance he might skip the fourth one in Ranchi and return for the fifth in Dharamsala. The outcome of the matches will play a crucial role. If the Rajkot match doesn’t go well, there will be a desire to include Jasprit Bumrah in the Ranchi match too,” he concluded.
India take on England in the third Test of the five-match series in Rajkot from February 15th.
