IRE vs IND: "It Was A Bit Of A Miscalculation" - Aakash Chopra On Umran Malik Bowling Just One Over In 1st India vs Ireland T20I

Aakash Chopra believes that Hardik Pandya made a small math error when he gave Umran Malik just one over in the opening T20I match against Ireland. 

On Sunday, June 26, against Ireland, Umran made his eagerly anticipated Team India debut. With 14 runs let up in the one over he bowled, the express pacer was unable to make a significant impact. 

Aakash Chopra Discusses Team India’s Bowling Performance

Aakash Chopra discussed India’s bowling performance in the match on Sunday in a video posted on his YouTube channel. He praised the efforts of Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with the ball but expressed doubt over the choice to just offer one to Umran. The former Indian batter said: 

“Why did Umran Malik bowl just one over? There is no doubt about it that the over was expensive but the 12-over match was slightly cruel. Only two bowlers could have bowled three overs, one was Bhuvi and the other was Chahal. I thought it was a bit of a miscalculation.” 

The ex-cricketer who is now a commentator believes that Harry Tector’s presence at the wicket may have prevented Hardik from using the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) speedster. Chopra explained: 

“Hardik bowled with the new ball at the start and picked up a wicket. He saved an over for Avesh at the end. In my opinion, he could have bowled Umran one more but the way the match was flowing, Tector was not getting out, he probably felt that is better to wait till he gets out.” 

Umran Malik is fast, but it will take time for him to develop into an international bowler, as it does for everyone, according to Aakash Chopra. 

Aakash Chopra Questions Axar Patel’s Role In Indian Team

From a long-term view, Aakash Chopra questioned Axar Patel’s position in the Indian T20I team. He observed: 

“What about Axar Patel? That’s another question, does he actually merit a place in the long run? Because only one out of Axar and Ravindra Jadeja can play, is he bringing enough value, that’s the big question. Few months have not been good.”

The 44-year-old made the observation that under Australian conditions, the left-arm spinner might not be as effective. Aakash Chopra elaborated: 

“I like Axar but the way he is bowling in T20 cricket, if there is no help from the pitch especially if you are looking towards the World Cup, there will be no help, you will not be able to use Axar Patel at all.

Axar Patel could actually be a force to reckon with on dusty Indian pitches but if you play him in overseas conditions, I feel he is not pulling his weight into the side.” 

Additionally, Axar’s T20I series against South Africa wasn’t very successful. In the four games he bowled, the all-round spinner only took three wickets but was occasionally fairly costly. 

Also Read: IRE vs IND: Hardik Pandya Becomes First Indian Captain To Pick A Wicket In T20 Internationals