IND vs WI: Dropping Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Can Lead To Series Defeat - Aakash Chopra
Published - 01 Aug 2023, 07:26 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:16 AM
Cricket commentator Aakash Chopra feels that dropping Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in IND vs WI 3rd ODI can lead to a series defeat against West Indies. Aakash Chopra also analyzed whether Team India will drop the senior duo from the final encounter.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did not play in the previous 2nd ODI against West Indies. Vice-captain Hardik Pandya led a young squad to face the hosts in the match. However, the men-in-blue faced a huge defeat by 6 wickets. The hosts outplayed India in both batting and bowling.
Dropping Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma Will Put Series On The Line: Aakash Chopra
Ahead of IND vs WI 3rd ODI, cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra spoke on his YouTube channel about the repercussions of not playing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the IND vs WI 3rd ODI. According to Chopra, their absence from the encounter can put the series on the line.
“They are saying they are experimenting keeping the Asia Cup and the World Cup in mind and the availability of players or the lack of it, then Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cannot play today. Then you will have to put the series on the line today. You will have to say it’s alright, that you are not happy but okay to lose,” Aakash Chopra said.
Also Read: IND vs WI: Will Virat Kohli Miss The Third ODI? Here’s The Truth
The former India opener also said if the team wants to test their young players, they should bat first after winning the toss.
“So neither Rohit nor Kohli in this team and go with the same batting order. Then play Axar at No. 4, because you would have played him with some thinking, and bat first after winning the toss, so that you put a little more pressure on your players,” the 45-year-old further said.
What If India Lose Here: Aakash Chopra
Akaash Chopra, who represented India in 10 Tests from 2003 to 2004, also added that he is not 100 percent sure if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be dropped from the final game.
“However, can that happen? I am not 100% certain. The Indian team might suddenly think here that they need to win the series because there have been 12 unbeaten series (against the West Indies) and what if they lose here? When you get such thoughts, then questions will be raised again,” the former KKR player concluded.
Meanwhile, India and West Indies are set to battle against each other in the 3rd ODI on Tuesday (August 1). The clash takes place at Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. Earlier, West Indies won the 2nd ODI by 6 wickets while India won the opening ODI by 5 scalps.
