IND vs WI: "What Are West Indies Doing?" - Aakash Chopra Slams The Hosts' Strategies After Winning The Toss
Published - 21 Jul 2023, 02:57 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra questioned West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite’s decision to bowl first in the second Test match against India. Aakash Chopra highlighted that the West Indies opted to bowl first on a good batting surface in the second and final Test.
The Rohit Sharma-led team put up a total of 288/4 in Port of Spain, on Thursday, July 20. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma gave a good start, adding 139 runs for the first wicket. The hosts picked up all four wickets in the second session, but were ineffective in the other sessions.
You Believe In Atithi Devo Bhava – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra recalled that the West Indies opted to bat first in the series opener despite moisture on the pitch.
“I am thinking what are West Indies doing? West Indies are saying you believe in ‘Atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is equivalent to God) and we also want to respect your tradition and that is why we will give you what you want,” Chopra said.
“In the last match, India might have wanted to bowl because there was a little moisture on the pitch. They said you can bowl if you want and we will bat and get out for 150, don’t worry about it,” he added.
The Kraigg Brathwaite-led team suffered a heavy defeat, losing to India by an innings and 141 runs in the first Test. They were bowled out for just 150 runs in the first innings and conceded 421 runs to the opposition. They managed to score only 130 runs in their second innings.
The Only Way Is To Play On A Green Top – Aakash Chopra
The reputed commentator criticized the West Indies’ decision to prepare a flat track for the second Test. Chopra suggested that the only way to trouble Indian batters is by preparing a green track.
“Here, they gave an absolutely flat surface, firstly I have got no idea why they do that. If you want to challenge India with your team, the only way is to play on a green top.
You are anyway losing but if you play on a green top, your fast bowling might trouble the Indian batters and you might be able to tackle our slightly inexperienced bowling better,” he further stated.
“They made an absolutely flat surface and then said you can bat and we will bowl. Thank you very much. ‘Atithi devo bhava’ is a very good thing and we liked your hospitality a lot,” he concluded
