IND vs PAK: Aakash Chopra Shares Tip With Indian Batsman Ahead Of Super Four Match Vs Pakistan In Asia Cup 2023, Says 'Play The Ball And Not The Bowler'

Former India batsman, Aakash Chopra shared tips with the Indian batsmen before the start of the second high-voltage match in the Asia Cup 2023 and said that Rohit Sharma-led Men in Blue should look forward to playing the ball, not the bowlers.

While speaking on his official YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra asked the Indian batsmen not to lose more than one wicket in the first 15 overs or it would be difficult for the Men in Blue.

The 45-year-old praised the Pakistani pace attack and said that the Men in Green have a great bowling attack with the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.

“Against Pakistan’s pacers, play the ball and not the bowler. Don’t lose more than one wicket in the first 15 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi is staying rent-free in our minds at the moment. It is the truth that he is playing on our minds and he is not alone. Let’s be honest, he has Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf alongside him. When this trio attacks together, they surround you. Our coach used to tell us that you don’t have to play the bowler, a ball only is going to come out of his hand and you have to play that ball. So forget the bowler’s reputation,” Aakash Chopra said.

The Second Thing Is To Attack The Fifth Bowler: Aakash Chopra on India Vs Pakistan

The former India player further gave tips to the Indian side and asked them to attack the fifth bowler if the team could handle the first 15 overs under immense pressure from the Pakistani fast bowlers.

“The second thing is to attack the fifth bowler. If you are able to manage the first 15 overs, then put the fifth bowler under immense pressure. It could be Mohammad Nawaz or Faheem Ashraf, whoever it is, go after him.

“You have to show intent somewhere. You shouldn’t do it against the new ball because you need to respect the threat in front of you. So give respect to the new-ball bowlers and hit the fifth bowler. Put them under pressure, so that Agha Salman comes to bowl, and then you can actually capitalize,” Aakash Chopra added.

Rohit Sharma-led India will face off against Baba Azam’s Pakistan in the third Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday (September 10th) at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.