Aakash Chopra believes that it would be beneficial for Team India to establish a target in the event they win the coin toss during their 2023 World Cup final encounter, with New Zealand.
The match, between these two teams is scheduled to take place at Mumbais Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, November 15. This upcoming clash serves as a rematch of the editions final, where the Indian team was unable to successfully chase down the target set by the New Zealanders.
Aakash Chopra was asked whether India should bat or bowl first if they win the toss in a video posted to his YouTube account, and he responded:
“Bat first and dismiss them later. I am thinking like that although dew comes at the Wankhede. Run chase is always a little tricky although the Indian team does that. We have already said that our bowling is our strength and you want to use your strength later.”
Aakash Chopra
However, the former India opener does not believe the toss would influence the outcome of the game. He stated:
“You are playing with three fast bowlers. You can make New Zealand fall in the second innings, that’s what I feel, although we won against them while chasing in Dharamsala. I have a strong belief that whatever we do, we will win this match and reach the final.”
Aakash Chopra
at their league-stage match at Dharamsala, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets. Rohit Sharma and his teammates won all nine league games, the first five while pursuing and the latter four while defending goals.
Aakash Chopra reveals India’s challenge in knockouts without Hardik Pandya
Aakash Chopra was also questioned if India will miss Hardik Pandya in the knockout games, to which he responded:
“I hope it’s not felt. The formula they have changed, it’s guaranteed they won’t change it now. India might not have changed the formula even if Hardik had been available. They would have played Hardik in place of Suryakumar Yadav.”
Aakash Chopra
While admitting that Hardik is a big-match player, Chopra expressed optimism that the two-time winners are not put under pressure. He went on to say:
“They would have got a sixth option as well and still played with three fast bowlers. However, it can’t be helped if he (Hardik) is not there. But he is a clutch player who raises his game in difficult situations, we have seen that repeatedly with him. I hope that a clutch situation is not created.”
Aakash Chopra
After Hardik was ruled out, the Indian team decided to go with five frontline bowlers. While Suryakumar Yadav was brought in to bat at No. 6, Shardul Thakur was pulled out in order to introduce Mohammed Shami as a specialist seamer.