Team India will play their final ODI in New Zealand on Wednesday (November 30).
Aakash Chopra became the latest cricket expert to criticize current Indian batters’ inability to bowl a few overs, as the team selection continues to haunt Team India and led to heavy criticism.
Speaking about the ongoing white-ball series in New Zealand, Hardik Pandya had first said that he wanted to see how his all-rounders bowled in the T20I series, which is why he didn’t bowl while highlighting the need for some support from the batters for a few overs.
Later, Shikhar Dhawan also said that the team wanted a sixth bowling option in their lineup, which led to Sanju Samson’s omission and Deepak Hooda's inclusion in playing in the XI in the ongoing ODI series against the Black Caps.
While discussing India's selection dilemma, former Indian opener Chopra recalled how Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar used to assist striker bowlers during their playing days.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “Why do our batters don't bowl? The likes of Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar used to bowl but now no one bowls. The batters have completely stopped bowling in the nets, they either bat or field and then they leave. So, it is a big problem.”
The former India opener also explained why the team is finding it hard to produce part-time bowlers.
He added, “Now the Indian team takes four net bowlers along with them everywhere and then there are two who throw with the side-arm. So, the bowlers' batting is improving because they bat against the side-armers, both the batters and bowlers are doing the same thing.”