Kanpur, First Published Nov 23, 2021, 8:34 PM IST
Kanpur: As the first Test of the India-New Zealand (IND vs NZ) series begins in Kanpur on Thursday, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has made a big mistake in the selectors’ decision to dismiss Test specialist and midfielder Hanuma Vihari. Aakash Chopra’s tweet came shortly after news broke that KL Rahul would miss the entire Test series due to a hamstring injury.
Hanuma Vihari, who played in the series against Australia, was ruled out of the series against England due to injury. However, Vihari was unexpectedly dropped from the 16-man squad for the series against New Zealand by the selectors. The selectors did not include Vihari in the India A vs South Africa A squad for the tour of South Africa, led by Priyank Panchal.
Hanuma Vihari was later included in the selection committee A team headed by Chetan Sharma following criticism. No specific explanation was given for Vihari’s omission from the Test team and his subsequent inclusion in the A team for the second time.
Vihari last played for India in the Sydney Test series against Australia. Despite a hamstring injury, Vihari and Ashwin’s batting helped India to a heroic draw in the Sydney Test.
In home Tests with five specialist bowlers, Vihari often does not get a chance in the playing XI. Vihari has played in only one of the 12 Tests he has played in his career so far. The remaining 11 Tests were overseas. According to Aakash Chopra, India would have been able to move forward without adding new players if they had been included in the Test squad.
The first Test of the India-New Zealand two-match Test series starts in Kanpur on Thursday. The second Test starts in Mumbai on December 3. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will lead India in the Kanpur Test as captain Virat Kohli has been rested. Kohli will return as captain in the second Test.
Last Updated Nov 23, 2021, 8:34 PM IST
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