Former batsman Aakash Chopra believes that when it comes to picking teams for white-ball games, India can learn a lot from England. While India focuses too much on individuals, Chopra claims that England’s policy is built on a definite ideology.
Therefore, In the T20 World Cup 2021, India and England have had contrasting fortunes. While Virat Kohli’s side lost their first two games to Pakistan and New Zealand, England has gone undefeated in the tournament and has already advanced for the semi-finals.
“This team goes with a philosophy. England have their priorities crystal clear and everyone seems to be moving in the same direction. They picked all-rounders by looking at performances from the county circuit, the Natwest T20 blast and The Hundred. They selected only white-ball players as per the demands of the format.” 44-year-old responded
In the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup 2021, England, headed by Eoin Morgan, has dominated Group 1. They lead the points standings with four wins in as many games.
Joe Root
Chopra mocked India’s selection policy, claiming that if Joe Root had been an Indian, he would have made the T20 squad.
“England did not take into consideration Test performances, no matter how good they were. Look at Joe Root’s case. If Joe Root was an Indian, do you think he would not have been part of the Indian T20 squad? I can give you in writing that Root would have been part of the team even if he had a strike rate of 125. He might even have been the captain of the T20 team. This is what India is all about. That is not how England thinks.” The former cricketer added
“They have a horses for courses policy. Dawid Malan is in the T20 squad but doesn’t play too many Tests. Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid have been told what is expected of them. Their priorities are very clear. That is why even if some players are missing, there is someone else who can get into that role very quickly and seamlessly. India will have to learn from this. You cannot make strategies centered around individuals. They should have a philosophy in place and fit the other things in. This is a sub-continent culture where individuals are given preference, which we need to move away from.” Chopra said
On Saturday, November 6, England will face South Africa in their final Super 12 match in Sharjah.
Read more: Tim Southee says “We need to adapt to the conditions” in India vs New Zealand 2021
Visit also: Varun Chakravarthy-“Virat Kohli is Burj Khalifa, the tallest building” in T20 World Cup 2021