Aakash Chopra expects Virat Kohli to score runs in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final against England. He does not expect a high-scoring game and encourages all hitters to make substantial contributions to assist the club reach a reasonable total.
The Men in Blue will play the defending champions in the second semi-final on June 27 in Providence, Guyana. The victor will meet South Africa in the final two days later, at Bridgetown, Barbados.
In a YouTube video, Aakash Chopra stated that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must give India a solid start.
“I feel Rohit Sharma is there to protect the Indian team and Kohli’s bat will finally have to talk now. We will need protection from not one but two players in opening. Since it’s a 125 to 130-run match, it’s great if Rohit fires, and even if he doesn’t, I am thinking 20-25 runs from everyone.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener believes the inaugural T20 World Cup winners will require an all-round batting performance.
“I feel you should reach 130-135 somehow if you get to bat first. In such a scenario, small contributions become extremely valuable. Whether it’s Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya or Shivam Dube, we want small performances from all of them, and it should work out with that.”
Aakash Chopra
In this edition of the T20 World Cup Kohli has accumulated a disappointing total of 66 runs translating to an average of 11.00 across six innings. Notably the remaining top five batters have excelled each surpassing 100 runs with Rohit leading the pack with an impressive 191 runs.
“That is right down our alley” – Aakash Chopra on the likelihood of a low-scoring game
Aakash Chopra believes that a low-scoring game would benefit India.
“When we see these conditions, we are not at all discussing that we are playing different kind of cricket. We played extremely conservative cricket against England last time. So we made a mistake there but this time when it’s going to be just a 120 to 130-run game, that is right down our alley. I feel we will be able to manage that.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator believes Rohit Sharma will opt to bat first if he wins the toss.
“The Indian team will firstly bat first after winning the toss because runs are not scored on this ground. The average score is 120-odd. A rank-turner pitch has been prepared. It’s looking like a slightly underprepared pitch. This is not a 160-run pitch unless someone has rolled it with water.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra finished by stating that India will make life difficult for England if they bat first and score at least 125 runs. He went on to say that given the circumstances, the Men in Blue will undoubtedly start as favorites.’