Ian Chappell believes Virat Kohli’s departure after the first Test versus Australia next month will leave a “big hole” in the Indian line-up, creating a selection dilemma which could ultimately decide which way the series goes.

The 77-year-old Chappell feels the situation provides a perfect opportunity for young Indian batsmen to prove their mettle. “Kohli’s departure creates both a big hole in the Indian batting order and an opportunity for one of their talented young players to make a name for himself,” the former Australia captain wrote in a column for ESPNCricinfo.

“What was already shaping up as an exciting tussle now has the added stimulus of crucial selection decisions. The result could well come down to who is the bravest set of selectors.”

The “pandemic-plagued” Australian cricket schedule may benefit India in their quest to replicate the series win in 2018-19 as they are getting more time to acclimatise to the conditions.

“This summer’s chaotic, pandemic-plagued Australian schedule may just benefit India in their quest to repeat last tour’s series victory. India’s enforced period of lockdown — with training allowed — will provide the team more time to acclimatise in Australian conditions than the rushed pre-Test schedule that visiting teams normally experience.

“The extra training period during lockdown gives the bowlers ample opportunity to work out what length is applicable in Australia and for the batsmen to become accustomed to the unusually steep bounce. A lot of touring batsmen have trouble in scoring sufficient runs off the back foot in Australia.

“It is not enough to just survive against short-pitched bowling in Australia, you also have to be able to score off those deliveries. Until a batsman proves he can make runs regularly against that style of attack, he will continue to be peppered with short stuff,” Chappell explained.

Elaborating on the matter, he added: “Being on the receiving end of a concerted short-pitched attack can rattle a player and cause his footwork to become uncertain.

“On the other hand, if he adequately copes with the onslaught, the bowlers then have to resort to a more full-length mode of attack and this can lead to greater scoring opportunities.”

Stressing the importance of making correct selection choices, Chappell voted in favour of young Will Pucovski over an off-colour Joe Burns to be David Warner’s partner at Australia’s opening slot. Chappell is not in the same page with Australia head coach Justin Langer, who has backed Burns.

According to Chappell, selection should always be made on the basis of current form. “I was flummoxed by the Australian coach’s summation of the choice between incumbent Joe Burns and rising star Will Pucovski for the job of David Warner’s opening partner.”