Aakash Chopra Questions Dinesh Karthik’s Batting Position in 2nd T20I vs SA

Suresh

2 years ago

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has questioned India’s decision to bat Dinesh Karthik at No.7 in the second T20I against South Africa on Sunday in Cuttack. Karthik came out to bat after Axar Patel, which raised a couple of eyebrows.

The Indian team management opted to hold back Karthik and instead sent Axar into bat when Hardik Pandya was dismissed in the 13th over of their innings. However, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter had to go to the middle in the very next over when Shreyas Iyer was caught behind.

Aakash Chopra was critical of Dinesh Karthik’s batting position while reviewing the second T20I on his YouTube channel. The cricketer-turned-commentator said:

“The question is why did they send Axar before Dinesh? It is not very often that you get the chance to play more balls and if you don’t go in such a case or you are not sent, I think it’s a mistake.”

He added:

“Dinesh Karthik, I love him as a finisher, once again he has finished strongly, but if more overs are left, will he not come to bat. If you are sending Axar ahead of him, you are doing wrong in my opinion.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D11rqcSVT8

The 37-year-old Karthik did provide a late impetus, scoring 30 off 21 balls, which included two fours and as many sixes.

“There is a slight concern about Yuzi Chahal” – Aakash Chopra

The 44-year-old feels Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel’s ineffectiveness with the ball was a major reason for Team India’s defeat in the second T20I against South Africa.

Chahal has failed to replicate his IPL performance and conceded 49 runs in the last game. Heinrich Klaasen took him to the cleaners, hitting boundaries at will. Throwing light on Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling, Aakash Chopra said:

“A major reason for the loss was spin being absolutely ineffective. When dew doesn’t come, you say Yuzi Chahal will bowl better, he gave 49 runs in four overs. There is a slight concern about Yuzi Chahal, he has taken two or three wickets only in the last six matches although the Purple Cap was on his head and he has been expensive.”

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