Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra lauded India’s new batting approach after they took an unassailable lead of 3-1 in the five-match T20I series against the West Indies after winning the fourth T20I by a mammoth margin of 59 runs.
India posted a par score of 191 runs after West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran won the toss and decided to bowl first in Florida on Saturday. In fact, none of the Indian batters could go past the 50-run mark but almost all of them contributed to the score by scoring briskly.
Rishabh Pant top-scored with 44 runs after Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav gave a quick start to their team in the PowerPlay overs. The Indian captain scored 33 runs off just 16 balls while Suryakumar Yadav scored 24 from 14. Sanju Samson scored 30 runs from 23 balls while Axar Patel added the finishing touches with a little cameo of 8-ball 20 to help the visitors get past the 190-run mark.
So all the Indian batters were looking to play aggressively, which has been their new template since the series against England.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Chopra said, “Not even one player scored a fifty but despite that India scored 191 runs. The start was explosive and this has become the identity of the new India, that they will start hitting right from the start, wickets keep falling but they won’t stop, they won’t get scared, they won’t look back.”
The renowned commentator added, “Eventually they reach a good score and are able to defend that. Rohit Sharma was the aggressor, he kept on hitting fours and sixes, and got out after scoring 33 runs off 16 balls. He had already hit a six off Akeal Hosein and lost his wicket trying to hit another one.”
Meanwhile, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals but they didn’t veer off the track and stuck to their guns.
“Deepak Hooda came in at No. 3 this time, who when he played last time was batting down the order. He also scored 21 runs, although he was close to run-a-ball. Suryakumar Yadav – 24 runs off 14 balls. Wickets did fall in between but they didn’t take the name of stopping.”
Chopra also lauded Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and Axar Patel for their impressive performances.
“Rishabh Pant’s 44 came off just 31 balls. Well done Rishabh Pant. Sanju Samson played well in my opinion. Axar Patel – 20 runs off eight balls – I think that was a huge contribution.”
The fifth and final T20I between India and West Indies will take place on Sunday at Florida.
