Aakash Chopra says India won’t go back to Pujara and Rahane after Virat Kohli’s retirement ahead of IND vs ENG 2025 Tests

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opened up on the possibility of backing the veteran duo of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane for the England tour after Virat Kohli confirmed his Test retirement on Monday.

The renowned commentator noted that Pujara and Rahane are scoring runs constantly and it would be interesting to note the selectors’ call. 

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has announced his Test retirement and the onus will be on the youngsters for the upcoming tour of England.

“There was another discussion that if Virat Kohli is not going, although it’s been heard that someone is trying to convince him, can Ajinkya Rahane or Cheteshwar Pujara return, just for this series?” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“Can the team go in that direction? Can they think from that point of view? I am voicing it because it’s the England tour. If it had been any other tour, I would have said ‘let’s go with kids.’ However, if both Kohli and Rohit are not there, maybe you want to think about Pujara or Rahane. Both are playing well and scoring runs,” he observed.

Chopra highlighted that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel might not go back to Pujara and Rahane and they are going to back youngsters.

“I have my serious doubts about the Indian team going in that direction because they have Yashasvi Jaiswal with KL Rahul for opening. Shubman Gill might come at No. 4 because he might eventually like that number,” he said.

“Sai Sudharsan could be at No. 3, then Shubman Gill at No. 4, and (potential) vice-captain Rishabh Pant at No. 5. You might think about keeping one among Nitish Kumar Reddy, Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan at No. 6. If you start thinking in that direction, there won’t be a place. I feel the Indian team might want to go in that direction,” Chopra elaborated.

The opening Test between England and India will be played at Leeds, Headingley on June 20 onwards.