IND vs NZ: "I Have No Answer For That Question": Aakash Chopra Discusses Rishabh Pant Opening For India

Aakash Chopra believes the third Twenty20 International between India and New Zealand will be critical for Rishabh Pant to secure his spot as an opener in T20I cricket.

On Tuesday, November 22, the last game of the three-match series will be contested in Napier. The Men in Blue enter the match with an unbeatable 1-0 advantage, having won the second T20I in Mount Maunganui after the first game in Wellington was called out due to rain.

Chopra commented on Pant’s position at the top of the list while previewing the game in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel:

“Rishabh Pant is playing in a game that is of the utmost importance. The truth is that you are opening him up because he is a terrific player and might perform at that position at his best, just like we did with Rohit Sharma. Do we intend to accomplish that or do we truly believe he can be the best opener? I don’t know the answer to that.”

Suryakumar Yadav on one side and everyone else on the other: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra reckons Suryakumar Yadav must strike for India to achieve a huge total. He explained:

“Suryakumar Yadav’s hit brings us to 190. There will be issues if he does not hit. Everyone else is on one side, and Suryakumar Yadav is on the other. He scores 111 runs off 51 balls, while the rest of the squad scores 80 runs off 69 balls. The truth is that your success is dependent on Suryakumar Yadav’s form.”

Aakash Chopra believes Shreyas Iyer would be pounded with short-pitched bowling soon as he appears at the crease.

“Shreyas Iyer appears to be approaching on horseback. Bouncers will also be thrown at him here. The side boundaries are short, so there is a chance of success, although bouncers will be bowled.”

At Mount Maunganui, Yadav scored an unbroken 111 runs off just 51 balls, while Iyer scored 13 runs off nine deliveries. In an attempt to play Lockie Ferguson to the leg side, the latter was dismissed by a hit-wicket decision after moving too far back in the crease.

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