Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has predicted changes to India’s playing XI for the second T20I against Ireland. India took a 1-0 lead after winning the first match comfortably by seven wickets. However, opener Ruturaj Gaikwad did not come out to bat for the Indian team. He had a niggle in his calf and had to sit out as a precautionary measure. It is uncertain if he will be available for selection in the second T20I.
In the first match, Deepak Hooda opened the innings for India along with Ruturaj Gaikwad. He slammed an unbeaten 47 runs knock to take India home comfortably. Deepak’s knock came at a strike rate of 162.07 with six boundaries and a couple of sixes. For the second T20I, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes the Indian team should go in with Venkatesh Iyer at the top order.
Venkatesh Iyer did not get an opportunity in the playing XI in the first T20I. Even in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa, he failed to make it to the playing XI in the five T20Is. Aakash Chopra expressed that Venkatesh Iyer deserves a chance at the top of the order if Gaikwad misses out. He said in his Youtube video,
“The first big question is Ruturaj Gaikwad’s availability. If he doesn’t open it, who will do? I feel you will give an opportunity to Venkatesh Iyer. If he is not worthy of playing, you don’t want to play him, why have you kept him in the team. You don’t go on a tourist visa.”
I feel Sanju Samson will get a chance: Aakash Chopra
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels Sanju Samson will get a chance ahead of Rahul Tripathi. He added, that the Indian team won’t stick with Deepak Hooda as the opener. Speaking on his Youtube channel, Aakash Chopra said,
“But if he (Gaikwad) is not there, I don’t see you opening with Deepak Hooda again. Sanju Samson and Rahul Tripathi are sitting out, those are also a couple of options. Can you actually start thinking along those lines? I feel Sanju will get a chance, Rahul Tripathi will be in an even lower list.”
Aakash Chopra stated India should Ventakesh Iyer should come in place of Axar Patel and Sanju Samson in place of Ruturaj Gaikwad. He expressed that as Hardik Pandya is in a good bowling rhythm, India won’t feel the absence of another bowler in the team.
The second and the final T20I between Ireland and India will take place on Tuesday, June 28 at The Village in Dublin.
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