IPL 2021: “He’s Taken What, Three Wickets This Season?”- Aakash Chopra Expresses Concern Over Ravichandran Ashwin’s Form

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra is concerned about Ravichandran Ashwin’s form in the Indian Premier League 2021 season. The off-spinner has been recalled to India’s T20 team for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

Ravichandran Ashwin has picked up four wickets this IPL season, conceding 254 runs at an economy rate of 7.50 in 9 matches. Aakash Chopra expressed that he is worried about the spinner’s form from an Indian perspective. He also highlighted Ashwin’s statistics in the Indian Premier League 2021. Aakash said,

“I expect Ashwin to bowl too full quota of four overs and (without too many action changes) bowl from a single spot because he’s too good a bowler. I am a bit worried from an Indian perspective because nothing has happened since his selection in the Indian team. He’s taken what, three wickets this season? His economy is now touching nearly eight, [he conceded] 40 runs in four overs in the last game on a Sharjah pitch, I mean, that is surprising.”

The former cricketer also opined that Prithi Shaw’s form is also a worrying sign for India. He stated that the wickets in UAE haven’t suited Shaw’s style of batting.

“I am a bit worried about Prithvi Shaw’s form because first half was spectacular but UAE hasn’t suited him. I didn’t in 2020 and also in 2021…he hasn’t scored runs in any of the matches he has played here… Shikhar Dhawan was once again spectacular [but] he has not lived up to the billing yet in the second half.”

Sam Billings is waiting in the wings for Delhi Capitals: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra suggested that the Delhi Capitals should bring in Sam Billings as the fourth overseas player and drop Steve Smith. He argued that the move will boost their batting line-up. Aakash added that Delhi Capitals can consider playing Bill at No.6.

“Would you like to continue with Steve Smith?… By doing that you are making your batting a bit up and down. Sam Billings is waiting in the wings. You can play him at No. 6, he might suit the bill [more] and he also used to play for Chennai,” Aakash Chopra said.