Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that the team management should back Shardul Thakur if he’s part of the World Cup squad. Aakash Chopra’s statement came after Shardul Thakur’s underwhelming bowling performance in the first ODI against Australia.
Shardul Thakur went wicketless in the series opener in Mohali on Friday, September 22. The right-arm pacer was a bit expensive with the ball, conceding 78 runs in his 10-over quota. He didn’t get a chance to bat as India chased down the target with five wickets in hand.
Shardul Thakur Should Not Be Dropped – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that the team management should stick with the same batting lineup for the second ODI match against Australia.
“In the bowling, I expect there is a possible churning that might just happen. I feel Jasprit Bumrah will be rested and Mohammed Siraj will get a game.
“I still see Shardul Thakur playing. In fact, he should play. If Shardul Thakur is part of your World Cup squad, he should not be touched. That is what I feel. There will be another chance for Mohammed Shami and Thakur.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad (71) and Shubman Gill (74) provided a brilliant start in the run chase but failed to convert their starts into triple-digit milestones. KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav scored valuable fifties after losing quick wickets in the middle overs.
India Will Need More Wickets From Ravindra Jadeja – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra emphasized that India will require more wickets from Ravindra Jadeja, especially on challenging surfaces. He also mentioned that Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance would be closely watched.
“India will need more wickets from Ravindra Jadeja. It is not easy to get wickets on this surface. There is another chance for Ravichandran Ashwin. He will be tested,” Chopra further added.
The KL Rahul-led team made only one change to their playing XI in the second ODI at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, September 24. Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was rested and replaced by Prasidh Krishna.