WTC final: VVS Laxman reveals his choice for India's openers

Going into the final of the World Test Championship against New Zealand, one of the biggest headaches for the Indian team will be to chose the opening pair. While Rohit Sharma is a confirmed opener for the showpiece event, confusion will be regarding his partner as India has two good options in the form of Mayank Agarwal and Rohit Sharma.

During the four-match Test series against Australia, India chose Shubman ahead of Mayank after he failed to produce any significant performances. Though Gill impressed during the Australia tour, he failed to perform on home soil against England and his poor performance fueled discussions regarding the comeback of Mayank. 

Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman opined on the openers saying that both Mayank and Gill have the experience of playing in the England pitches for the India A. However, Gill should be preferred ahead of Agarwal as it will help in maintaining the continuity. The 46-year-old also believes that Gill has found his form back during the practice match and shouldn’t be dropped just because of one bad series. 

“I think the most important decision is who is going to open with Rohit because we have got two options who are talented and have had the experience of playing in England for India A. 

We can’t forget the contribution of Mayank Agarwal: VVS Laxman

“I always prefer continuity. I think that the way young Shubman Gill showed his character in the Test match in Brisbane, even though he was off his best against England, I feel he has found form in the warm-up match. I would love to see him continue to open with Rohit,” VVS Laxman said while speaking on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.

Though VVS Laxman picked Gill ahead of Agarwal, he asserted that one shouldn’t forget the brilliant contribution made by Mayank. The 30-year-old made his debut for India in the 2018 Boxing Day Test and has produced many stunning performances since then.

“We can’t forget the contribution of Mayank Agarwal. In the home series against South Africa he had a fabulous Test series, scoring a double hundred. He impressed everyone on his Test debut against Australia in the Boxing Day Test,” VVS Laxman signed off.