Aakash Chopra empathetically emphasized the struggles faced by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during the demanding 2024 T20 World Cup notably due to their typically high standards. Expressing profound concern the former Indian cricketer fervently urged the opening duo to deliver impactful performances in Indias pivotal Super 8 clash against Australia.
In their ultimate Group 1 encounter scheduled for June 24 in Saint Lucia the two teams are poised to battle it out. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have accumulated 99 and 66 runs averaging 24.75 and 13.20 respectively after featuring in five innings each during the ongoing edition.
In a video posted on his YouTube page, Chopra predicted greater contributions from Rohit and Virat, with the willow being one of his expectations for Monday’s game.
“The captain and our other opener Virat Kohli’s form looks good now. The ball has started hitting the middle of the bat, although if we look at it based on their standards, it’s been a very cold World Cup for both of them. So I am expecting them to play slightly longer knocks.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener encouraged Rishabh Pant to avoid playing the reserve sweep, particularly against Adam Zampa.
“Rishabh Pant is looking good. Don’t play the reverse sweep and definitely not against Zampa. It won’t make a difference if we leave one or two balls. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube now look in good form. So those things are looking very, very good.”
Aakash Chopra
Pant (152) is India’s leading run scorer in the 2024 T20 World Cup. While Hardik Pandya hit an unbroken 50 off 27 deliveries, Shivam Dube contributed an important 24-ball 34 in the Men in Blue’s penultimate game against Bangladesh.
“Ravindra Jadeja’s personal form” – Aakash Chopra on a concern area for India
Aakash Chopra cited Ravindra Jadeja’s inconsistent form as a concern, but expressed hope that he will live up to his good numbers against Australia, notably Glenn Maxwell.
“However, there is one thing on my mind. That is Ravindra Jadeja’s personal form, although if you check against Australia and Maxwell, you will find that his numbers have been very good. With the ball, he has been very, very good. So you expect him to do well but thus far he has been bowling too fast and too short, and such balls get hit.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator advised India not to change their playing XI and to guarantee that Australia is eliminated from the tournament.
“Travis Head has had problems against left-armers. I feel he will have a lot of issues if he comes to bat second. So I am thinking no changes whatsoever. You should go with the same team. Rohit, just win the toss and bat first, reach around 170, pack Australia’s bags here itself, and send them home.”
Aakash Chopra
Referring to Ravichandran Ashwin’s social media tweet praising India’s approach, Chopra stated that the Men in Blue must play according to the conditions and situation. He also advised Rohit Sharma and his team to avoid losing wickets in clusters, since an overly aggressive attitude can be counterproductive if the circumstances are favorable to bowlers.