IND vs IRE: "If He Is Not Worthy Of Playing, Why Have You Kept Him In The Team?" - Aakash Chopra Suggests Changes For Team India Ahead Of 2nd T20I Against Ireland

For the second Twenty20 International against Ireland, which will be played on Tuesday, June 28, Aakash Chopra has proposed a few potential alterations to the Indian starting lineup. 

The first Twenty20 International between the two teams was won by The Men In Blue with a resounding seven-wicket victory. Ruturaj Gaikwad, however, was hurt while playing in the field, hence he was unable to bat for India during their innings. 

Venkatesh Iyer Should Open If Ruturaj Gaikwad Is Not Playing: Aakash Chopra

In a video posted on his YouTube account, Aakash Chopra suggests that if Gaikwad is unable to play on Tuesday, Venkatesh Iyer should open. He reasoned: 

“The first big question is Ruturaj Gaikwad’s availability. If he doesn’t open, who will do? I feel you will give an opportunity to Venkatesh Iyer. If he is not worthy of playing, you don’t want to play him, why have you kept him in the team. You don’t go on a tourist visa.” 

Gaikwad should continue to play as an opener, the cricketer-turned-commentator noted, assuming he is healthy and available.

Aakash Chopra observed: “Play Venkatesh Iyer and get him to open. I believe if you have kept Venkatesh Iyer continuously in the team, you will play him some time at least. If he (Gaikwad) is there, he should open, there is no issue in that.“ 

Iyer has played nine T20Is for Team India so far, hitting 133 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 162.19. With five of his seven T20I innings coming at No. 6, he has never batted at the top of the order in international cricket. 

Sanju Samson May Get A Chance: Aakash Chopra

If Gaikwad is not available and the Indian team does not want to open with Iyer, Sanju Samson is likely to be favoured over Rahul Tripathi as a starting option, according to Aakash Chopra. 

He explained: “But if he (Gaikwad) is not there, I don’t see you opening with Deepak Hooda again. Sanju Samson and Rahul Tripathi are sitting out, those are also a couple of options. Can you actually start thinking along those lines? I feel Sanju will get a chance, Rahul Tripathi will be in an even lower list.” 

In this case, according to the 44-year-old, Iyer can take Axar Patel’s place on the field. 

Aakash Chopra elaborated: “I am saying you can play him (Venkatesh) instead of Axar Patel, go for another fast-bowling option. Hardik is anyway bowling well, your bowling is not going to fall short, considering the lack of depth in the opposition camp as regards to batting.” 

In his sole over of bowling against Ireland in the opening T20I, Axar gave up 12 runs. The management of the Indian team may decide to replace him with Iyer, but if he is positioned at No. 7 in the batting order, he may not get to bat. 

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