IRE vs IND: "That's A Big Statement" - Aakash Chopra On Dinesh Karthik Keeping Wickets Ahead Of Ishan Kishan And Sanju Samson In 1st India Vs Ireland T20I

Dinesh Karthik keeping wickets for Team India in the opening T20I match against Ireland instead of Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, according to Aakash Chopra, is a significant managerial move. 

Team India had the choice of using Karthik, Kishan, or Samson as the wicketkeeper while Rishabh Pant was abroad in England. Samson was not a member of the playing XI, but Karthik took the wicketkeeping gloves before Kishan, perhaps because Kishan is a little bit more nimble on the field. 

Akash Chopra Feels Dinesh Karthik Keeping Is A Big Endorsement

Karthik being preferred as the keeper was the topic of a video posted by Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel: 

“Dinesh Karthik is keeping, which means no Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson didn’t get an opportunity also. What does it mean, that he is now your primary keeping option if Pant is unavailable, that’s a big statement, that’s a big endorsement.” 

The former Indian cricketer, though, was gushing with Kishan’s easygoing performance. Aakash Chopra elaborated: 

“Ishan Kishan played a short knock but a knock which showed that he is cut above the rest. He has the ability to sight the ball early, the might to play the big shots and if you want to search for a disruptive opener, he is the guy, he is putting his hand up all the time.” 

Kishan’s innings, which included three fours and two sixes, scored 26 runs off only 11 deliveries. Before being caught by Craig Young, the left-handed opener gave the Indian run chase an early boost. 

Aakash Chopra Praises Deepak Hooda

“Deepak Hooda got an opportunity to open. Hooda on fire, well done. He batted extremely well. He has a slightly different style of playing, has a wide stance, he is not that pleasing on the eye but it doesn’t matter.

Painting should be beautiful, batting should be one that scores runs, remained unbeaten in the end, which is a very big thing in my opinion.” 

For the first time in T20 format, Deepak Hooda opened and struck an undefeated 47 runs off 29 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. He has recently been in top form. 

Hardik Pandya Looking Good As Gold: Aakash Chopra

The well-known analyst also had kind words for Hardik Pandya. Aakash Chopra observed: 

“Suryakumar Yadav came and went. Hardik Pandya’s short knock, once again he batted well, hit decently. He got dismissed but Hardik Pandya is looking as good as gold. If the bowling keeps on getting better, what a player. He has the swag when he hits a six.” 

With the aid of six fours and two sixes, Hooda hit an undefeated 47 off 29 deliveries. Hardik scored 24 runs, including one four and three sixes, off just 12 balls. 

Also Read: IRE vs IND: Against A Team Like India You Have To Be Good: Ireland Captain Andrew Balbirnie