Aakash Chopra has named his preferred Indian playing XI for Wednesday’s T20 World Cup match in Abu Dhabi against Afghanistan.
If Suryakumar Yadav is fit, India should bring him back in lieu of Ishan Kishan, according to the cricketer-turned-broadcaster. If Yadav is unable to play, Aakash Chora believes Kishan should be moved to the middle order, allowing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli to reclaim the top three spots.
“You don’t generally talk about ‘contest’ in this clash. But the ‘context’ is so huge that we can’t digest another defeat. We have to win and by a big margin. What will be my playing XI for India? I am going to make a few changes. If SKY (Surykumar Yadav) is available then play him 100% for Ishan Kishan. Even if he’s not available bring Ishan Kishan down the order a bit. Your troika of top-three should be the same – Kohli, Rohit and Rahul.” Aakash Chopra said
Against New Zealand, India’s decision to open with Kishan was a disaster. The kid failed to offer the essential blitz at the top, while Rohit and Kohli’s natural game was also hampered by their fall in the batting order. India could only muster 110 runs, losing by eight wickets.
Varun Chakravarthy
Aakash Chopra also demanded the return of leg-spinner Rahul Chahar to the side in favor of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, as well as greater daring and desire from the Indian team against Afghanistan.
“Then in the bowling department, I feel you should look at Rahul Chahar instead of Varun Chakravarthy. Everything else is pretty decent I think. Just play with a bit more intent, courage, and freedom and win this match.” He said
Varun Chakravarthy earned the title of ‘X-factor’ in the IPL 2021 after being the best bowler for the finalists Kolkata Knight Riders. He has, however, struggled to find his wicket-taking skills in this environment thus far.
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