‘Joe Root becomes Muthiah Muralidaran” – Aakash Chopra warns against rank turner for second England Test

Aakash Chopra and Joe Root. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

India’s loss to England in the first Test has come off as a huge shock to all who expected the Rohit Sharma-led side to steamroll the English side on subcontinent pitches. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has put forth a word of advice for Team India and BCCI against making rank turners for the second Test.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 46-year-old questioned the form of Indian batters and warned that a spin track could backfire for the home team.

“Don’t get overexcited that ‘we need turning pitches’ because your [Team India] batters are not in form. When batters are not in form, your spinners and their [England] spinners will be equally effective”, suggested Chopra.

Chopra argued that a rank turner leaves the Indian attack with no advantage as England spinners could do an equal amount of damage. “They [English spinners] don’t have accuracy but how does it matter? Tom Hartley bowls like Bishan Pa and Joe Root becomes Muttiah Muralidaran on those kind of tracks”, Chopra added.

Kuldeep can spin a web around English batters: Chopra

He further stated that a batting track could help England batters go all-out attack and bleed the Indian bowling. Chopra has suggested India include Kuldeep Yadav to counter England’s aggressive batting.

“I do agree that England will score quick runs on a decent surface. But can play Kuldeep and hope he can spin a web around the English batters. A good surface is I am hoping for but don’t know what India is thinking”, Chopra concluded.

India will take on England in the second Test at Vizag, having lost the first by 28 runs. The loss has come as a huge reality check for India who were caught off guard by the English challenge. With Virat Kohli out due to personal reasons & Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul ruled out due to injuries, Team India looks to be on the back foot against a confident English side.