Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons India should consider dropping Naman Dhir in the second ODI against the West Indies and suggested that hosts should play Mohammed Siraj in the final XI.
Chopra said Dhir would not be effective with the ball while bowling in dewy conditions. Dhir has scored 351 runs in 14 List A matches at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 106.36 and thus his selection was questioned by many experts.
India decided to give Dhir his ODI cap in the opening game as they wanted to have batting depth in the team. Siraj, on the other hand, has all the experience under his belt and he would provide the team with a wicket-taking option.
“Since you are going to a place where the toss is not in your hands, and there might be dew, why not play Mohammed Siraj? I have nothing against Naman Dhir, he bats well, but he is still just a part-time bowler. He is not a wicket-taking bowler, and if the ball is wet, he is not a bowler at all. In such a case, you should go with your full-fledged bowlers. Form is not an issue, so batting depth should not be an issue. As good as Naman Dhir is, he is not the right choice for the next match because of dew, and neither are you looking at him as an option for the ODI World Cup 2027,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
On the other hand, former Delhi cricketer said India would need to post 350 runs on the board if they are put into bat.
“India can still win the match after losing the toss, let’s be fair, but for that they will have to score 350. Score 350 runs, then defend with the wet ball. If you score less than that, then it won’t happen. This is a golden opportunity for West Indies. If they lose the toss, they won’t win the match. But, if they win the toss and there is a lot of dew, then there is a good chance for them,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
The second ODI between India and the West Indies will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Wednesday.
