Aakash Chopra asserts that the unpredictability in Indias batting order emeÂrges as a key concern as theÂy prepare for the 2024 T20 World Cup. CommeÂncing with a Group A encounter against Ireland in NeÂw York on Wednesday June 5 Rohit Sharmas contingeÂnt encounters their initial challeÂnge.
The Men in Blue began with Rohit Sharma and Sanju Samson in their single warm-up game against Bangladesh at the same location four days prior. They also batted Rishabh Pant in an unusual No. 3 spot.
In a YouTube video, Chopra identified India’s uncertain batting order as a drawback.
“Is there a potential weakness? I am seeing a weakness. We are figuring out the batting order now, which is not a good thing. I am not a fan of it at all that why are you figuring out your batting order after going to the World Cup.”
“You are still searching for a thing that you should have found and confirmed earlier. That means things are not right.”
Aakash Chopra
India potentially had Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma in mind as theÂir opening pair planning for Virat Kohli to bat at No. 3 in the T20 World Cup leading up to IPL 2024. HoweÂver considering Jaiswals inconsistent IPL peÂrformance and Kohlis form at the top they might deÂcide to open with the modeÂrn batting legend with Pant offering a leÂfthanded choice at No. 3.
“I see the lower-middle order as a slight concern” – Aakash Chopra on India’s other weakness
Aakash Chopra believes India also lacks strength in the finishing area.
“Secondly, I see the lower-middle order as a slight concern. The explosive power with the form is not being seen in the finishing. Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya is still playing well, but Axar Patel, that’s not your ideal finish. If you make a list of the world’s top five finishers, you might not want to keep any of their names there.”
Aakash Chopra
The acclaimed expert said that one of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, or Rishabh Pant may have to stay till the finish to offer the necessary energy.
“So if you don’t have even one finisher who is that incredible, keeping in mind that too many runs might not be scored in the first six overs, you see the firepower lacking a little unless, of course, one of your top four batters bats till the end. The Indian team has done that many times, whether it’s Rohit, Kohli, Surya or Pant, they bat till the end and the cracks are papered over a little.”
Aakash Chopra
Hardik Pandya, who was not in great form in the IPL 2024, delivered an outstanding performance in the warm-up game against Bangladesh. However, Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja failed to set the pace and will need to up their game in the main competition.