USA vs IND: Aakash Chopra indirectly calls Suryakumar Yadav a 'minnow basher' after failure vs Pakistan

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra raised concerns about Suryakumar Yadav's performance in crucial matches, particularly against Pakistan in the T20 World Cups. Aakash Chopra questioned whether Suryakumar Yadav struggles to perform in high-pressure situations, including the ODI World Cup 2024 final.

Suryakumar Yadav scored seven runs off eight balls against Pakistan at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9. The Indian team managed to score only 119 runs in 19 overs. However, the Indian bowlers restricted Pakistan to 113/7 to help the team secure a narrow six-run victory.

Suryakumar Yadav Is Struggling A Little In Big Matches - Aakash Chopra

On the AakashVani show on Sports18, Aakash Chopra expressed disappointment with Suryakumar Yadav's performance, particularly following the early dismissals of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

"Pakistan asked India to bat first and batting well was difficult. Virat Kohli got out and then Rohit Sharma got out. Rishabh Pant was standing but Suryakumar Yadav got out again, and that's a question. If you see Suryakumar Yadav's performance, it's very good otherwise, but is he struggling a little in big matches?" Chopra said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out similar struggles in the 2022 T20 World Cup against Pakistan and the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia, raising concerns about Yadav's ability to perform in crucial moments.

"It's actually a big question. It happened against Pakistan in Melbourne, against Pakistan here as well, and then when you see the ODI World Cup final against Australia. Is Suryakumar Yadav unable to seize the big moments?" he questioned.

Suryakumar Yadav was dismissed for a 10-ball 15 in the 2022 T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan in Melbourne. The middle-order batter scored 18 runs off 28 deliveries in last year's ODI World Cup final match against Australia in Ahmedabad. The Men in Blue failed to beat Australia and secure the coveted ICC trophy.

Shivam Dube's Form Is The Second Big Question - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra also pointed out Shivam Dube's inconsistent form in recent matches, describing it as another issue for India. Chopra praised Rishabh Pant's performance but noted that the quick succession of wickets and failure to complete the full 20 overs gave an advantage to Pakistan.

"Shivam Dube's form is the second big question because when you are 81/3 after 10 overs, and when you lose the fourth wicket at the score of 89, why don't you score 150? Rishabh Pant was brilliant but then the flurry of wickets, one followed by the other, and when you are unable to play the entire 20 overs, it seemed like advantage Pakistan," Chopra further added.

The former Indian opener criticized Azam's decision-making, particularly mentioning the bowling changes. Chopra highlighted that Haris Rauf was introduced late, and Naseem Shah's early success was not capitalized on. Chopra stated that these decisions could have further pressured the Indian batters.

Haris Rauf was brought into the attack in the 10th over and took three wickets for 21 runs. Naseem Shah, who also ended with figures of 3/21, was taken off after dismissing Virat Kohli in the second over and wasn't given the ball again until the eighth over.

Also read: USA vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah not getting enough respect? Sunil Gavaskar tears apart Rohit Sharma for mishandling pacer