Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson opined that India should play ignored opener Mayank Agarwal instead of going with the much-hyped combination of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Hesson cites Agarwal’s experience of facing New Zealand bowlers during 2020 will benefit India in the final.

Hesson has suggested a change for Virat Kohli & Co. The former New Zealand coach feels Agarwal, who played in the Test series against New Zealand last year, can prove crucial with his experience against the Kiwi bowlers. Agarwal had opened with Shaw in the Test series against the Kiwis in their own backyard and had notched up 102 runs in four innings including a half-century.

“They will probably go with Rohit and Shubman. I think Mayank needs to be considered. He has faced the New Zealand attack in New Zealand. Here he would have got some crucial experience,” Mike Hesson told PTI on Wednesday.

“I think he’s (Pant) more confident, more settled on the international stage now. Therefore, he’s able to play the way he wants to play. He has earned enough credit within his team as well.

India has persisted with the combination of Rohit and Gill for the Australia Tests and the three-Test series against England at home.

India went on to lose the series 2-0 – their only series defeat in the World Test Championship. But ended up making it to the final by topping the table at the end of the group stages. Hesson feels Mayank can prove to be handy in the final if he pairs up with Rohit at the top.

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