IND vs SL: Aakash Chopra Backs Dimuth Karunaratne Over Kusal Perera In Sri Lanka's Playing 11 for Asia Cup Final 2023

Former India batsman, Aakash Chopra gave his opinion on Sri Lanka’s first eleven in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 final match against India and said that Dimuth Karunaratne should be included in the playing eleven because of his talent in the ODI format.

While speaking on his official YouTube channel, the 45-year-old former India batsman said that he worried about Dasun Shanaka since he is better in front of India even though his form has been ordinary in this tournament.

“I am slightly wary of Dasun Shanaka in this match. His form has been extremely ordinary but he gets the best out of himself against India, especially in big games. So you have to be mindful of that. The big question is what will happen to Maheesh Theekshana, as they have called a backup for him. At the time of recording, he hasn’t been ruled out but there is a chance that he might get ruled out. Sahan Arachchige, who is a batting all-rounder, has been kept. You might see him playing. He is a left-handed batter who bowls right-arm off-break,” Aakash Chopra said.

If it is ODI cricket and a fast-bowling attack like India in front of you, I would go with Dimuth Karunaratne: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said that Kusal Perera should be excluded from the first eleven against India and play Dimuth Karunaratne since in front of the Indian fast-bowling attack in a 50-over format Karunaratne would excel more than Kusal Perera.

Chopra also added that Kusal Perera is better in the twenty-over format. Aakash Chopra believes that Dimuth Karunaratne will be a better choice over Perera to handle the new ball attack from star Indian pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

“I feel there is no need to play Kusal Perera. If it was up to me, I would play Dimuth Karunaratne. Kusal Perera is ‘kushal’ (skilled) but for 20-over cricket. If it is ODI cricket and a fast-bowling attack like India in front of you, I would go with Dimuth Karunaratne. If you have to nullify the Indian team’s new-ball attack, if you have to somehow handle Bumrah and Siraj, I will go with quality and pedigree, and that is Dimuth Karunaratne. You will have Pathum Nissanka alongside him and then Kusal Mendis at No. 3,” Aakash Chopra added.

India will take on Sri Lanka in the final match of the Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday (September 17th) at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.