Former India batter Aakash Chopra has recently raised concerns regarding India’s middle-order lineup, especially focusing on the performance of batter Shreyas Iyer. With India gearing up to face Pakistan in their much-anticipated 2023 Asia Cup opener on September 2 in Kandy, Sri Lanka, all eyes are on the team’s preparations and key players. Chopra’s commentary sheds light on India’s middle order’s challenges in the upcoming clash.
Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on Shreyas Iyer’s situation, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his gameplay due to his lack of recent match practice. The batter has not been actively participating in cricket matches, making it difficult to predict his performance. This factor introduces an element of perplexity as fans eagerly await to see how Iyer will fare on the field against a formidable opponent like Pakistan.
Chopra pointed out that India’s middle-order positions, particularly No. 4 and No. 5, are subjects of concern due to the players’ limited exposure to the game recently. It’s not only Shreyas Iyer who is under scrutiny but also KL Rahul, who is part of India’s 17-member squad for the Asia Cup. However, Coach Rahul Dravid confirmed that Rahul would miss the first two matches due to a recurring injury.
“There are slight concerns in your batting at No. 4 and No. 5 because they have not played much cricket. It is not only No. 4 and No. 5, if you see Jasprit Bumrah, you will say that he too hasn’t played much cricket. As things stand now, we don’t know how Shreyas Iyer will play, and it seems KL Rahul might not be available for the first match,” said Chopra.
The former India batter emphasized the challenge posed by some players’ absence of significant game time. Chopra compared Iyer’s situation to Jasprit Bumrah’s, stating that both players have not been extensively active in recent cricketing events. This lack of match practice could impact their form and readiness for high-stakes encounters like the India-Pakistan clash.
Chopra highlighted another crucial aspect of India’s strategy: the absence of an off-spinner in the squad. With Yuzvendra Chahal left out and Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel selected as spin-bowling options, the team’s balance has become a point of discussion. The absence of an off-spinner could hinder India’s ability to effectively counter left-handed batsmen in the opposition team.
“The second point is that there is no off-spinner. It will be a point of discussion because as soon as you see two or three left-handers in the opposition team, you will feel that you cannot play Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja together,” Chopra added.
The former batter delved into the team’s obsession with batting depth, specifically noting the push to have a batter at the number 8 position. This inclination could influence India’s choice between a specialist bowler and Shardul Thakur. The squad includes four all-rounders, namely Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur, prompting tactical decisions regarding team composition.
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Chopra speculated on India’s possible lineup, envisioning Shardul Thakur occupying the number 8 position, followed by Kuldeep Yadav at 9. While the ideal scenario involves playing all three fast bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammad Shami the team’s inclination towards batting depth might shape the final lineup.
“So they will look to play Shardul Thakur at No. 8, Kuldeep Yadav at No. 9, and then the two fast bowlers. Ideally, you should be able to play all three fast bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammad Shami – but there is an obsession for a batter at No. 8,” said Chopra.
India’s campaign in the 2023 Asia Cup holds significant anticipation. The team is scheduled to take on Pakistan on September 2, followed by a match against Nepal on September 4 as part of the group-stage matches. These clashes will serve as critical tests for India’s revamped lineup and strategies moving forward in the tournament.
