Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra questioned Shubman Gill’s captaincy after the Gujarat Titans suffered a three-wicket loss against the Punjab Kings at New Chandigarh on Tuesday. Chopra was left flabbergasted after Prasidh Krishna was introduced in the 13th over, when the game was virtually over.
Defending 163, Krishna was able to keep his team afloat as he bagged three quick wickets. The lanky pacer accounted for PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, and Marcus Stoinis. Krishna eventually returned with impressive figures of 3-29 in his quota of four overs, but GT ended on the wrong side of the result.
Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “What has happened to Shubman Gill’s captaincy? I ask this question because Prasidh Krishna was playing, but you weren’t bowling him at all. 12 overs had passed, the opposing team had almost won the match, then you brought in Prasidh Krishna, he took three wickets in three overs, and the game became slightly thrilling, but what’s the point?”
The renowned commentator questioned why Krishna was not part of the playing XI as he was used as an Impact Player in place of Shahrukh Khan.
“Firstly, he was kept in the impact player list. Why would you do that? Ashok Sharma was in the XI. If you were 50/5 and had to bring in an impact sub, and you sent Kumar Kushagra, Prasidh Krishna wouldn’t have been available to you at all. How do you think like this?” he observed.
The former KKR batter noted that Mohammed Siraj was not given his full quota of four overs, whereas debutant Ashok Sharma was preferred ahead of the experienced batter.
“After that, Mohammed Siraj’s two overs were left. You were showing confidence in Ashok Sharma, which is absolutely fine, but Siraj was there. There was a lot left to be desired in Shubman Gill’s captaincy. I am at a loss for words. Why was Prasidh Krishna held back for so long? Why wasn’t Siraj given his full quota of overs?” Chopra elaborated.
Gujarat Titans will next take on Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Saturday.
