Aakash Chopra asserts that the unpredictability in Indias batting order emerges as a key concern as they prepare for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Commencing with a Group A encounter against Ireland in New York on Wednesday June 5 Rohit Sharmas contingent encounters their initial challenge.
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 their opening pair planning for Virat Kohli to bat at No. 3 in the T20 World Cup leading up to IPL 2024. However considering Jaiswals inconsistent IPL performance and Kohlis form at the top they might decide to open with the modern batting legend with Pant offering a lefthanded 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.