IND vs ENG: I Don't See Rahul Tripathi Making The Starting XI- Aakash Chopra On India’s Playing XI For 1st T20I vs England

Former Team India batter Aakash Chopra believes that in-form batter Rahul Tripathi will not be included in the starting Xi against England in the first T20I. Tripathi was part of the Indian team for the 2 T20Is against Ireland, but he did not play in either match.

The 31-year-old was named to the Indian team after an outstanding IPL 2022 season with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In 14 games, the hitting right-hander smashed 413 runs, along with three half-centuries, at a strike rate of 158.24.

Aakash Chopra said ahead of the first T20I between India and England on Thursday (July 7) in Southampton that India could perhaps explore with their team, but it still appears challenging for Tripathi to get an appearance. On his YouTube channel, the former opening batsman stated:

“There is no showing which team will play. Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh could make an appearance. But, despite being a member of the team, I do not see Rahul Tripathi making the starting XI.”

Aakash Chopra on Indian Bowling Attack:

Despite winning both games in the recent T20I series against Ireland, Indian bowlers were pushed to the limit by Irish batters. Aakash Chopra had this to say about it:

“The pressure will be on India’s bowlers.” We saw in the second T20I against Ireland that this bowling attack – whether it is Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Harshal Patel – can be taken for runs. Ireland was on the verge of defeating us.”

In the second T20I in Dublin, India scored 225 for seven. Ireland, on the other hand, gave India a major scare before succumbing by four runs. Harshal Patel gave up 54 runs in four overs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravi Bishnoi, and Malik all gave up more than 40.

On Thursday, July 7, India and England will play the first of three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches at Southampton’s Rose Bowl Cricket Ground.

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