Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has expressed concerns regarding Auqib Nabi Dar’s performance after the opening T20I against New Zealand. Dar shared the new ball with Arshdeep Singh in the series opener. While Singh got two wickets in his opening spell, Dar failed to hit the right line and length.
The greenhorn pacer returned with figures of 0-33 in six overs he bowled despite help for the fast bowlers on the surface. He was the only Indian pacer, who failed to pick up a wicket. Dar didn’t have the rub of the green on side as Naman Dhir dropped a simple catch off his bowling when Tim Seifert was on seven runs.
Earlier, Dar conceded 84 runs in 8.5 overs he bowed while making his ODI debut against the West Indies at Guwahati.
Reflecting on India’s bowling performance against New Zealand, Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “What a phenomenal spell by Anshul Kamboj – 10 overs for 22 runs. He keeps putting the ball in one place and is also good at batting. Nabi was given a chance. He was a late addition into the squad. But let me just go and have a look again. He has not got wickets. This is an issue.
Chopra highlighted Kamboj is currently ahead of Dar in the pecking order after Wednesday’s performance.
“Gurnoor Brar picked up three wickets for 44 runs. Arshdeep Singh was very expensive, but claimed four wickets. But then you ask a question – what is Nabi doing? Things are not working out for him. There was supposed to be a race between him and Anshul Kamboj, but Kamboj is currently leading the race,” Chopra added
On the other hand, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan urged Auqib Nabi Dar to hit the deck harder in the ODI format.
“I have already conveyed my message to Nabi, but one piece of advice is that when he plays red-ball cricket, he kisses the ball onto the pitch. However, when he plays ODI or white-ball cricket, he will have to hit the ball a little harder into the pitch. The pace will remain the same; only the mindset will change. When he starts hitting the ball into the pitch, he will get more purchase, and his release point will also come down. That will benefit him more.”
The second ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at the Hnry Stadium, Wellington, on Saturday.
