5 Indian openers who showed promise before fading away 

#2 Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra was a classical opener in the Geoff Boycott mould whose primary job was to survive with sound technique and take the shine off the ball. These attributes helped him in getting a Test berth against the touring New Zealand side in 2003 season where he scored his maiden fifty.

When India toured Australia in 2003, he enhanced his reputation further by providing solid starts in partnership with Virender Sehwag and the duo had 2 hundred run stands to go with 3 fifty-plus partnerships.

Although Chopra failed to cross the 50-mark in the four Tests against Australia, he showed exemplary technique and patience to see off the new ball. Chopra was dropped from the team after an unimpressive performance in the home series against Australia in 2004.

He too like many others had an issue in failing to convert starts. Even though the Delhi batsman had some impressive performances in the domestic circuit, he was never recalled to play at the Test level.

Aakash Chopra now is an expert and regularly writes columns for leading dailies. He is also a regular commentator for sports channels and also participates in exclusive shows during IPL.

Aakash Chopra: Career Statistics