Aakash Chopra fires Bazball warning to Baz and Ben Stokes on behalf of Indian batting lineup

Former Indian batsman turned expert cricket analyst Aakash Chopra feels that India’s current batting attack against their English counterparts in the ongoing 5-match Test series, is yet to fire at all cylinders and perform at its full potential. He made these comments while speaking about the first two Tests in Hyderabad and Vizag on his YouTube channel.

Aakash Chopra feels that a huge gap between the two sides can come to the fore if India’s batting line-up on a collective, starts to chip in and score big runs. It has been a fact that the home team’s performance with the bat has remained hot and cold as some of the batters have failed to stand up and take the onus.

The only notable performer for India across both of the Test matches has been a baby-faced left-hand opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. The 22-year-old made an efficient contribution with his wonderful knocks in what is his first-ever – Test series in India and first major outing against the Three Lions.

In the 1st Test where India lost by 28 runs, Jaiswal played Jaisball in the 2nd innings as he smashed 80 off 74 in India’s total of 436 before walking off for just 15 during the chase of 231 runs. Elsewhere, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja also had 80+ scores in the 2nd innings but they had a similar fate as Jaiswal in the 4th innings.

In the 2nd Test, Jaiswal’s overpowering maiden double century in the 1st innings was the binder for India’s grip throughout the match while Shubman Gill’s much-needed 104 from number 3 provided further solidity. Otherwise, none of the batters have been able to replicate the reason why they have been picked ahead of so many youngsters and veterans for the series.

It was the same point that Aakash Chopra too raised while discussing the potential of Bazball in India.

“One of the main reasons for that is that the Indian batting is not doing that well. If the Indian batting starts playing to its potential, you will see a huge gap between the two teams.” – Chopra said on his latest YouTube video.

“You Missed An Opportunity And Trick”, Aakash Chopra Explains Hit & Miss Bazball Style

Aakash Chopra further explained that Bazball’s first-ever implementation in Indian conditions has been parred enough as they could have carried on the momentum from the 1st Test to claim victory in the 2nd, however, they missed an opportunity and trick. Chopra also happened to be backing Bazball to not work here in India if the hosts start performing at their best.

“It’s novel thinking for sure but this series will tell how successful it will be. You are standing at 1-1, you won the first match very nicely and you faced defeat in the second match. If you look inwards, you would say that you missed a trick and an opportunity.” – Chopra added. 

“I really hope that the Indian team starts playing to their potential with the bat. Then I will see how Bazball plays here because I feel the jury is out. The verdict is not clear whether Bazball would work here or not.” – Aakash Chopra concluded.