India Will Benefit A Lot From Ben Stokes' Absence: Aakash Chopra
Published - 01 Aug 2021, 04:32 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:50 AM
With star England all-rounder Ben Stokes opting out of the upcoming Test series against India, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has named it as a boon for the latter. Ben Stokes pulled out of the high-voltage Test series and took an indefinite break from the sport to focus on his mental health. Thus, Aakash Chopra believes Stokes’ absence would provide India with a significant advantage.
Ben Stokes is one of the most significant members of the English team and makes things happen across facets. The 30-year old is an explosive batsman, a wicket-taking bowler, and is a remarkable fielder. Stokes, a highly experienced campaigner, has featured in 71 Tests, scoring 4631 runs at 37 and has 163 scalps at 31.39.
Aakash Chopra believes India will benefit a lot from Ben Stokes’ absence as he is equivalent to two players. The 43-year old stated he plays like a proper Test batsman and could change the match on its head. Chopra said that he is an excellent bowler and an incredible bowler; hence, he feels Stokes’ absence is a bonus for India.
“India will benefit a lot from Ben Stokes’ absence. He is as good as two players in one. In Tests, he plays like a proper batsman coming in at No.5 or No.6 and has the ability to change the course of a match. He is a wicket-taker with the ball and is also an excellent slip fielder. So his absence is good news for India,” Aakash told in his Youtube channel.
England will be a bit weakened even before the series has started: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra remarked that Ben Stokes’ absence also lowers the pressure on India, enabling them to dismiss the tail soon. The cricketer-turned-commentator also opined the hosts would be a bit weakened even before the series starts.
“The pressure will be a bit less on India and they might be able to dismiss the tail sooner. England will be a bit weakened even before the series has started,” he added.
