Cricket

Manish Pandey will need to score a hundred in third ODI to make a case for himself: Aakash Chopra

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra feels Manish Pandey will need to score a hundred in the third ODI to make a case for himself in the Indian squad.

Pandey scored 26 runs off 40 balls in the first ODI against Sri Lanka but he should have remained unbeaten as there was no pressure of the required run rate.

Subsequently, Pandey was looking good in the second ODI against the hosts as he raced to 37 runs off just 31 but didn’t have the rub of the green on his side as he was run out in an unfortunate manner.

Pandey has all the experience under his bag but he hasn’t been able to grab his chances while playing for the national team. In fact, Pandey has played only six ODIs in India’s last 90 matches, which goes to show that he has been out of the team consistently.

However, as the experienced batsman has an impressive List A average of 45.23, he keeps making the cut in the Indian squad. But there is no doubt that Pandey is running against time for his place in the side as the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer are pushing for a place in the final XI in the squad.

“Pandey ji will have to score a century in the last match if he has to strengthen his case. Manish Pandey is on a slightly slippery slope. He is a good player, we all like him because he gives his 110 percent whenever he is on the field, puts in the dives, he is a gun fielder, one of the best that India has,” Chopra said on his Youtube channel.

“He has batted okay in both ODIs, he did get out playing a bad shot in the first ODI. That is something I felt bad about because he has been given the No.4 position in the Indian ODI batting lineup, no one gets it because there is such a long list of good players, it is enough even if you get to play and if you get, it is at No.5 or No.6.”

Chopra added that the competition in India’s middle order is tough and Pandey needs to make the most of these chances to make a case for himself.

“In the second innings, he was so unfortunate that you and I can’t really complain. The expectation is that he scores runs in the third match and consolidates his position. He has done just about enough that you will keep his name in the reckoning but the road ahead is not easy.”

“The player who came after him, 31 not out in the first match and more than fifty in the second match. The player who went above him scored fifty in the first match and got dismissed in the second match. When you have a fight like that and Shreyas Iyer is sitting out, he will also come.

Rahul, Rohit, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli – these four anyways play, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya – there are very few places,” Chopra concluded.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the… Read More

December 20, 2024

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal ruled out for rest of the season due to knee injury

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal has been ruled out of the rest of the… Read More

December 20, 2024

Christopher Clarey sheds lights on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance, says Serb has always tapped into smart, high-level tennis players

Renowned Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey has shed light on Novak Djokovic appointing Andy Murray as… Read More

December 20, 2024

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim has no regrets after dropping Marcus Rashford

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he has no regrets after dropping Marcus… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sanju Samson reveals how Gautam Gambhir gave him clarity and confidence

India’s wicket-keeper bat Sanju Samson has revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir has played an instrumental… Read More

December 20, 2024