Aakash Chopra surprised by KL Rahul’s Test snub on New Zealand tour

KL Rahul has been in jaw-dropping form, donning the national colours in ODIs and T20Is. The Indian batsman became the Player of the Series for becoming the leading run-scorer in the 20-overs series against New Zealand. However, the stupendous couldn’t help him make a Test comeback. The BCCI of late named the 16-man squad for the series versus the Black Caps and Rahul didn’t find a spot.

It didn’t spring a surprise that the fans questioned the selectors’ decision to leave him out. Rahul last played Test cricket on the tour of West Indies where he had his travails. When India toured Australia for a four-match series in 2018-19, the Karnataka batsman couldn’t step up. But in recent times, he has been racking up runs with sheer authority, though he scored them in the shorter versions.

Chopra bemused after Rahul was left out

Rahul’s T20 numbers aren’t all that promising. In 36 Tests, the 27-year-old has a shade over 2000 runs at an average of 34.58 to go with five centuries and 11 half-centuries. In the meantime, Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, was a tad surprised after Rahul couldn’t make the cut.

As per Chopra, who’s a current commentator, Rahul having three tons outside Asia warrants him a place in Test team. He also lauded Rahul for his sound technique and temperament. Chopra has urged the national selectors to blood him in when he is in red-hot form.

Chopra took to Twitter and wrote, “KL Rahul not making it to the Test squad is surprising. He’s got three Test tons outside Asia. Talent-technique-temperament was never a question—it was only about current form. And he’s in RED HOT form now. Why not put him at the top again?”

Here is Aakash Chopra’s tweet

KL Rahul not making it to the Test squad is surprising. He’s got three Test tons outside Asia. Talent-technique-temperament was never a question—it was only about current form. And he’s in RED HOT form now. Why not put him at the top again? #NZvInd

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 4, 2020

India are coming off a 5-0 whitewash in the T20Is versus the Kiwis. Virat Kohli’s men will now be playing three ODIs, starting February 5 at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. The Test series gets underway on February 21 with the opening match at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The second and final Test would be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, marking the end of India’s Kiwi endeavour.