Former India cricketer turned famous commentator Aakash Chopra has made his predictions for the second Test between Team India and New Zealand which is all set to take place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from December 3 as well.
New Zealand has denied India a win in the first Test in Kanpur, with their last-batting pair keeping the Indian spinners at bay. However, Team India will get the service of their regular skipper Virat Kohli and will hope to win the series decider.
The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the side batting first will be dealt an early blow. Aakash Chopra predicted:
“First wicket will fall in the first 45 minutes, whether we bat or they bat, the first person will be out. Will Young or Tom Latham from their side and from our side – I don’t know who alongside Shubman Gill. That is a question.”
However, Mayank Agarwal was Shubman Gill’s opening partner in the first Test at Kanpur in the absence of Rohit Sharma. Although Team India does not have a reserve opener in the squad now, they might go with Cheteshwar Pujara at the top of the order.
Two batters to be dismissed off bouncers: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra also said that a few will fall prey to short-pitched deliveries. He elaborated:
“Two batters to be dismissed off bouncers, there is a good possibility. Which two, I don’t know. Shreyas Iyer and Cheteshwar Pujara were dismissed in Kanpur and Somerville also, cannot say who will be the ones here.”
The veteran also picked Team India as the likely winners of the encounter. Aakash Chopra said:
“I feel India will win the match, that is what I believe.”
However, India will certainly go into the Wankhede Test as the favourites. But, they cannot take the Kiwis lightly as the conditions in Mumbai could assist their pacers.
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