"If you do that, you might be beaten badly again" - Aakash Chopra's massive statement ahead of IND vs SA 2025 2nd Test

Former India player Aakash Chopra has opined that the Indian team could suffer another crushing defeat if they prepare a rank turner for the second Test against South Africa. He noted that the hosts are in a tricky situation, with their problems compounded due to the uncertainties surrounding Shubman Gill's availability.

South Africa beat India by 30 runs in the first Test in Kolkata on Sunday, November 16. The final Test of the two-match series is scheduled to start in Guwahati on Saturday, November 22.

During an interaction on Star Sports, Chopra was asked about India's potential plans for Guwahati, especially the pitch, considering how the South African spinners bowled and Kagiso Rabada's likely availability.

"It's a tough decision now. The story is different if you go after winning or drawing the first match. You have now reached the desperate zone. 50 percent points are still at stake from the WTC perspective, but for that, will you again prepare such a helpful pitch?" the former India opener responded. "You got stuck yourself in the web you spun. If you do that, you might be beaten badly again. I think they are in a tricky spot. Shubman Gill's injury has just added salt to the existing wounds that are open right now. I don't have a correct answer as to what the Indian team would think now," Chopra added.

Shubman Gill retired hurt due to neck spasms after facing only three deliveries in India's first innings of the Kolkata Test. He wasn't available for the remainder of the game and is doubtful to play the second Test as well.

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"Very difficult" - Aakash Chopra on whether he sees Washington Sundar continuing to bat at No. 3 in IND vs SA 2025 2nd Test

Washington Sundar was India's top scorer in the second innings of the Kolkata Test. [P/C: Getty]

On Star Sports, Aakash Chopra was also asked whether he sees Washington Sundar continuing to bat at No. 3 in the Guwahati Test.

"Very difficult. I have still not been able to understand whether they played Washi because they wanted to play four spinners or because Washi should have played at No. 3. Until that question is answered, it's impossible to say why Washi played there," he replied.

While acknowledging that the spin-bowling all-rounder batted decently at No. 3 in the Kolkata Test, the cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out that Sai Sudharsan had also performed well at that position against the West Indies.

"Washi played extremely well, considering this pitch. So he should continue, but Sai was saying that he scored 87 and 39 against the West Indies, so he also played well. So why was he left out? Was it a tactical call depending on the surface, or was it a tactical call that they didn't have confidence in Sai, and they didn't think he would score runs here? So I don't know the answer," Chopra observed.

Washington Sundar (29 off 82) was India's second-highest run-scorer in the first innings of the Kolkata Test, behind only KL Rahul (39 off 119). The left-handed batter top-scored with an 82-ball 29 in the second innings, but couldn't take the team over the line.

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Edited by Kartik Iyer