Aakash Chopra has revealed India’s to-do list ahead of the Guwahati Test against South Africa starting on November 22. India have their backs against the wall after their 30-run defeat against the Proteas during the Kolkata Test as they look to level the series and avoid another home loss.
India will have to think a lot when it comes to the plan to create a rank turner failed during the first test. The pitch at Eden Gardens came under severe scrutiny and despite coach Gautam Gambhir’s reasoning, fans and pundits slammed the track that was being used during the match. Another concern is the availability of skipper Shubman Gill.
The Indian captain suffered a neck injury during Day 2 of the first Test and had to miss the rest of the match. His availability for the second match of the series in Guwahati remains a serious doubt at the moment.
Chopra sent out a tweet on Thursday, November 20, explaining what India will need to do to bounce back in the second Test. The former cricketer said that the Indian team management should take care to select a sports track for the game and not look at completing it in two-and-a-half or three days.
The second suggestion from Chopra was about the team combination as he suggested that India should play six proper batsmen and the plan of having four spinners and two pacers will not work in Tests.
When it came to who should replace Gill at No.4, Chopra said Dhruv Jurel should be promoted to the spot.
“Guwahati Test Task List.”
“1. Prepare a better pitch to have a 5 day test. Not a 2.5 day lottery. 2. Play 6 right batsmen. Four spinners + two pacers don’t work in Tests. 3. In case Gill is not available, play Jurel at four,” Chopra said in his tweet. (Credit: Aakash Chopra X)
India are currently fourth in the World Cup rankings after losing the first Test.
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Published on:
November 20, 2025
