Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra expects India to not make any changes to their playing XI and back the same team against England in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup. Ravindra Jadeja’s form is a cause of concern for the team but Chopra noted that Rohit likes to have the all-rounder in his team.
The left-arm orthodox spinner has gone wicketless in the tournament so far. Furthermore, the left-hander has managed 16 runs in three innings at an average of eight and a strike rate of 145.45.
Chopra reckons Yuzvendra Chahal could be a tempting spin option but feels India will back the same team.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “I am saying no change in the Indian team. I feel Rohit Sharma is going to do that only. He is not going to make any change although it will come to his mind for sure that Jaddu hasn’t done anything. He hasn’t scored runs and hasn’t picked up wickets. He has taken only one wicket thus far and bowled just one over in the last match and conceded 17 runs in that.”
“Since Yuzi Chahal is sitting outside, it comes to your mind whether he should be played but I think that won’t happen because the Indian team will still stick with Ravindra Jadeja. Rohit Sharma likes Jaddu as well, his playing style and the balance that he brings to the table, and Rohit Sharma is going to back him because of that,” the former India opener added.
The renowned commentator reckons India has a potent bowling attack and backed Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh to deliver in Guyana.
“Our bowlers give us a safety net. We have a different level of protection in bowling – Jasprit Bumrah’s four overs, Kuldeep Yadav’s four overs, and I am saying Axar Patel’s four overs on this pitch. That gives you 12 overs and after that, Arshdeep, and I am thinking Ravindra Jadeja will eventually pick up wickets,” he said.
The former Delhi player said Jadeja will pick up wickets and expects Arshdeep Singh to be economical against the Jos Buttler-led team.
“It cannot happen that he doesn’t pick up wickets and Arshdeep cannot be expensive every time. He is picking up wickets and I am assuming that wickets should come in Arshdeep’s account. So we are protected. We are actually a very good team,” Chopra observed.
India will take on England in the second semifinal at the Providence Stadium, Guyana on Thursday.
