IND vs BAN: Aakash Chopra Believes India-Bangladesh Could Be One-Sided Encounter In Shakib Al Hasan's Absence
Published - 19 Oct 2023, 01:35 PM
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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that the Rohit Sharma-led team has a good chance of securing a comfortable victory if Shakib Al Hasan is unavailable. Aakash Chopra emphasized Shakib Al Hasan’s significance to the team due to his contributions.
Shakib Al Hasan sustained a left quad injury during Bangladesh’s recent match against New Zealand. The left-arm spinner completed his 10 overs despite the injury. The head coach confirmed that the final decision on his availability will be taken on Thursday morning.
Shakib Al Hasan’s Fitness Is Concerning – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra emphasized the significance of Shakib Al Hasan‘s role within the team. Chopra highlighted that Shakib can contribute to the team with his bowling, batting, and leadership.
“Shakib Al Hasan’s fitness is concerning. It’s not sure whether he will be available for this match or not. If he is unavailable, the problems will become grave because Shakib Al Hasan is this team’s life,” Chopra said.
“They need his bowling. India’s numbers are not that good against left-arm spin. They need his runs and captaincy. Shakib’s availability might actually be the deal clincher. If Shakib isn’t there, it could become a hugely one-sided encounter.”
The Men in Blue will lock horns with the Bangladesh team at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Thursday, October 19. The Rohit Sharma-led team registered three consecutive wins, while their opponents have only managed to secure a single victory in the tournament so far.
The Team Is Not Doing That Well Collectively – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra pointed out that Bangladesh’s top-order batters haven’t delivered consistent performances. The former Indian opener highlighted that Mushfiqur Rahim has been consistent in the ongoing ICC tournament.
“If we see the top order, the two openers haven’t done that well. Litton Das has played well once. You have lost two of your three matches. Mushfiqur scores runs, he is like a bank, but they are not gaining too much from that because the team is not doing that well collectively.”
“This team has decent fast bowling. You will see Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed. Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s off-spin will not work that much on this pitch and Shakib Al Hasan will bowl defensively, but the three fast bowlers can trouble India.”
Also read: IND vs BAN: Shakib Al Hasan Hails Virat Kohli As ‘Probably The Best Batter In The Modern Era’
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Aakash Chopra Bangladesh National Cricket Team ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Shakib AL Hasan
