In their T20 World Cup 2021 match against Afghanistan, Aakash Chopra believes Team India should put more faith in Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul and bat them at the top of the order.
Their tournament opener against Pakistan, Sharma and Rahul started for Team India. In their previous encounter against New Zealand, however, the team management chose to bat Ishan Kishan at the top of the order and Sharma at No. 3.
“It is my personal opinion that you had told everyone before the tournament that Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are your best openers, please stick with them. You will have a test against spin but that’s alright, they are very big players, you have to show faith in them.” he said
“Keep Ishan Kishan in the middle order if he is still playing. There is no tension, you can keep two left-handers in the middle order. But don’t change your top three because these battles are won from the front.” Aakash Chopra reasoned
Due to early wicket losses in their first two matches, Team India has been forced on the back foot. They’ll be hoping for a steady, if not explosive, start against Afghanistan from their openers.
“I will go with Suryakumar Yadav if he is fit because he is a middle-order batsman. If he is not fit, I will go with Ishan of course, selectors have not given you any other choice. But then bat him in the middle order.” He elaborated
Hardik Pandya
“Hardik Pandya has started to bowl a little. He scored 23 runs off 23 balls as well. Once again, there aren’t too many options available. It is not that Venkatesh Iyer is sitting outside and he will come and hit a lot, he is not there in the team.” Aakash Chopra explained
If the Indian team management wants to enhance their batting, Yadav might even replace Pandya. However, with the seam-bowling all-rounder also starting to roll his arm over, they are unlikely to pursue that way.
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