Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has criticized India’s batting approach in the second innings of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand.
The Indian team was bundled out for a paltry score of 170 runs in the second dig. The opening session of reserve day was the turning point of the game as India lost three wickets for 66 runs.
The first half on Day 6 was always going to be crucial for both the teams. New Zealand were able to get the two big wickets of Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara and it was the turning point of the game. Kyle Jamieson took both the wickets and helped his team put their noses in front.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant played a reckless shot after scoring 41 runs which was not needed at that moment. In fact, Pant was swinging his bat and he was also advancing down the track against the fast bowlers. Furthermore, the left-hander was also playing experimental shots like the reverse sweep and scoop shot against the pacers.
“I didn’t understand what was happening. It was just a lack of thought and a lack of process. The first session did not go in your favor but when you come after lunch, it is expected that you will regroup and replan, change your tactics and you will play more sensibly,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“You knew that 75 overs were left with Jaddu and Pant batting. Wagner is creating the bouncer trap and the other bowler is doing something else. You are able to see everything clearly. If you had played 25-30 overs from there and had scored 75-80 runs because the lead was already 90-odd, half the team was out but half was still left.”
Moreover, Ravichandran Aswhwin also adopted an aggressive approach as he decided to attack the short ball. India’s lower middle order could have batted more sensibly in the second session of the last day knowing that we can not expect more from the fast bowlers.
“Jaddu, I am actually okay. He was being targeted with the bouncer trap and then got out to a good delivery, I can live with that. The way Ashwin was hitting pulls, it seemed like Ricky Ponting was batting. He also played a big shot and got out.”
“Pant stepped out and tried to hit a six and got out. After that, you do not have to bat at all. Let’s be honest, in these conditions your nine, ten and jack are actually nine, ten and jack. You won’t get runs from there,” said Aakash Chopra.
