IND vs NZ 2021: Aakash Chopra Questions Squad Selection For New Zealand T20Is, Says 'Almost Impossible To Pick XI Without Being Unfair'

Former India batsman Aakash Chopra opined that one or more players will be playing out of their regular positions in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. India hosts the Kiwis for a 3-T20I series starting Wednesday in Jaipur.

Aakash Chopra reckoned it’s is an “almost impossible” task to pick a fair playing eleven, given that the squad has too many top-order options.

India’s squad comprises five contenders for the opening spots: apart from captain Rohit Sharma, there are KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, and Venkatesh Iyer to choose from. Other than that, Suryakumar Yadav has been a success in the top four.

Aakash Chopra feels that the excluded player may feel unfair since the squad lacks a solid lower-middle-order player.

“Almost impossible to pick the India playing XI for tonight without being a little unfair on a few players—either can’t play them or play them in positions that aren’t ideal for them. Such has been the selection,” Aakash Chopra tweeted.

Almost impossible to pick the India playing XI for tonight without being a little unfair on a few players—either can’t play them or play them in positions that aren’t ideal for them. Such has been the selection. #IndvNZ

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 17, 2021

India will have to leave out one between Ashwin and Chahal: Aakash Chopra

Yuzvendra Chahal marks his return to the setup after being dropped from the T20 World Cup squad. From the World Cup contingent, Rahul Chahar and Varun Chakravarthy have been dropped, while R Ashwin and Axar Patel, who was in reserve, are retained.

Aakash Chopra pointed out that dew will come into effect in the night games, and hence India are unlikely to go with three spinners. Hence, he believes that one of Ashwin or Chahal may get excluded with Patel being locked in for the all-rounder’s position.

“The other issue is dew…which is going to be loads considering the venues and the weather. Can’t play three spinners. Will have to leave out one between Ashwin and Chahal. Axar plays as he’s the only all-rounder in the side who could bat at 7,” the 44-year-old added.

The other issue is dew…which is going to be loads considering the venues and the weather. Can’t play three spinners. Will have to leave out one between Ashwin and Chahal. Axar plays as he’s the only all-rounder in the side who could bat at 7. #IndvNZ

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 17, 2021