IND vs WI: Aakash Chopra Makes His Predictions For First ODI in Barbados, Backs Indian Top-Order To Fire

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has made some strong predictions ahead of the first IND vs WI ODI in Barbados. The first ODI starts at 7 pm IST which is 9.30 pm local time.

India have named a full-strength squad for the three-match ODI series. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya make up the Indian batting core. There is also Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Ruturaj Gaikwad who can make their presence felt.

Chopra has made his predictions ahead of the first ODI backing India’s top-order to fire. Previewing the first ODI on his youtube channel, Aakash Chopra said that the likes of Rohit, Gill, and Kohli will score 150 runs.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

“My first prediction is that our three top-order batters, who are Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – they will together score 150 runs. I don’t know who will score how many” said Chopra on his Youtube channel.

Also Read: IND vs WI: “India Doesn’t Depend On Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma All The Time: Chaminda Vaas

He further said that the ground and the pitch conditions are conducive for batters which is why he backed the trio to give a good start to the Indian cricket team.

“All three are in good form and have the ability, and will come with the intention of hitting. The Barbados pitch is generally decent, the side boundaries slightly shorter and the straight boundaries longer, but I think Rohit, Shubman and Kohli – 150+ runs between the three of them” Chopra added further.

He further said that wicket will be conducive for spinners saying that he is backing one of the Indian spinners to get a fifer. Among Chahal and Kuldeep, Chopra backed the latter to play in the XI.

“If Kulcha (Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal) play, then great, but whichever Indian spinners play, they will account for at least five wickets. I see Kuldeep Yadav playing” said Aakash Chopra.

Also Read: IND vs WI ODI: India’s Predicted Playing XI Against West Indies, 1st ODI 2023

The former Indian opener further said that he is expecting both sides to score over 100 runs in the first powerplay.

“My third prediction is that around 100-110 runs will at least be scored in the powerplay overs across both sides. I am thinking 5.50 runs an over, which is not really a bold prediction. It’s possible fewer runs are scored because the ODI template has changed these days. You can give yourself time at the start if you are not targeting 350”. Chopra explained.

India To Win First ODI: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra concluded by backing India to win the first ODI in Barbados.

“India to win, that’s my last prediction. You have World Cup contenders on one side and a team that has not even qualified on the other but there is still a lot of life in this clash because the World Cup countdown has started” concluded Chopra.

Also Read: IND vs WI ODI: West Indies’ Predicted Playing XI Against India, 1st ODI 2023