IND vs PAK: Aakash Chopra Lauds Shubman Gill's Positive Intent, Says 'He Used His Feet While Playing Against Shaheen Afridi'

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra lauded young opener Shubman Gill’s positive intent in the Super Four clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023. Aakash Chopra said that Shubman Gill adopted an aggressive approach while facing Shaheen Afridi in the game.

Shubman Gill survived on the first ball of his innings at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, September 10. The right-handed batter got one more lifeline during his knock. He made the most of the opportunities and scored 58 runs off 52 balls before being dismissed.

Shubman Gill Played With A Little Positive Intent – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra emphasized that Shubman Gill appeared to be in excellent form despite some luck in his favor, including a near-catch opportunity.

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“Rohit Sharma was going slow and Shubman Gill took the attack to Shaheen Shah Afridi from the other end. He used his feet while playing against Shaheen Afridi. He played with a little positive intent. The shot he hit in the air straight down the ground was extremely good,” Chopra said.

“The sort of form Shubman Gill was in, he looked almost like a million dollars. He batted extremely well but luck was also in his favor. The first ball Naseem Shah bowled to Shubman, Shaheen Shah Afridi was standing in the deep. If there had been a better fielder, he would have taken the catch,” he added.

Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill added a 121-run partnership in the high-octane encounter. The batting duo continued their form from their last game against Nepal in the group stage of the ongoing continental tournament.

Shubman Gill Could Have Been Dismissed For Zero – Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator criticized the field placement during the match, pointing out that Shubman Gill could have been dismissed for zero off the first ball. He also emphasized the need for better fielding coordination to avoid dropped catches in slips.

“Shubman Gill could have been dismissed for zero off the first ball. The first thing is what was Shaheen Shah Afridi doing there because he was bowling from the other end. If that’s the case, he shouldn’t be at third man but at fine leg,” Chopra further added.

“At times, four balls in an over go in the third man’s direction. So you don’t want to make the bowler bowling from the other end to stand there. There was a catch between the two slips. The ball had not even passed and Mohammad Rizwan was on his knees asking what they were doing, at least someone should take the catch,” he concluded.

The Rohit Sharma-led team ended at 147/2 in 24.1 overs before the game was called off on Sunday due to rain. Virat Kohli (8) and KL Rahul (17) were at the crease before the rain interruption. The game will resume from the same position on the reserve day, Monday.