However, Aakash Chopra believes it will be difficult for Team India to complete the fifth bowlers’ duties between Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli.
As a result, India will likely approach the T20 World Cup with only five frontline bowling options. As Hardik Pandya is unlikely to roll his arm over. Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav may be called into action if any of the regular bowlers are unable to finish their quota of overs.
“When you are playing with five bowlers Jaddu bowls in the middle overs after the 6th and before the 14th – now if he is also going to bowl in that and you want to get an over from Kohli as well, I feel you will get stuck.” He explained
Hardik Pandya’s failure to bowl, according to the cricketer-turned-commentator, may jeopardize Team India’s balance.
“Team India’s balance is slightly awry, let’s be honest. If Hardik is not bowling, the Indian team is pegged back a little. Jadeja, the 4-over bowler in T20 cricket, is still a bit of a question mark.” Aakash Chopra reasoned
By batting Jadeja at no. 6 and playing Shardul Thakur as a seam-bowling all-rounder at no. 7, Team India may boost their bowling. However, they are unlikely to choose that option because it would significantly weaken their batting lineup.
Varun Chakravarthy
“I feel Varun Chakravarthy should have been used better because if you don’t do that, you will get found out. You are thinking of hiding him and I am saying to give him some confidence because he has not played international cricket.” He elaborated
The former India opener is concerned about the mystery spinner’s lack of experience ahead of the crucial match against Pakistan.
“If someone hasn’t played international cricket and you get him to play an India-Pakistan match straightaway, he becomes nervous. I am slightly concerned about Varun Chakravarthy.” Aakash Chopra said
On October 15, Chakravarthy represented the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2021 final. Against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Apart from keeping the mystery spinner out of the path of prying eyes, the team’s management may have wanted the injury-prone bowler to have enough rest.
Read more: Aakash Chopra says “Kohli might have to bowl, like in 2016” in T20 World Cup 2021
Visit also: Jason Roy says “We have to learn pretty quickly” in T20 World Cup 2021