Former Indian cricketer and commentator, Aakash Chopra, believes that Tilak Varma might be replaced in the second T20I against Afghanistan to accommodate Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Chopra points out that the left-handed batter’s inability to capitalize on his chances could lead to his exclusion from Team India’s playing XI in the upcoming T20I matches against Afghanistan.

Kohli, who missed the first T20I due to personal reasons, is likely to be back for the second T20I in Indore. Additionally, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was unavailable for the T20I series opener due to a strained right groin, can also find a place in the playing XI in the remaining games.

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Aakash Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel: “After Rohit (Sharma) and Shubman (Gill) got out, Tilak Varma was there and Shivam Dube was sent up the order. Tilak Varma played well for some time but then also got out off (Azmatullah) Omarzai's bowling.”

He added, “Tilak Varma hasn't grabbed his chance fully. Will Tilak Varma play the next match? I feel he might get dropped because if both Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal become available, who will go out? No one can leave Shivam Dube out nor will anyone touch Rinku Singh. Don't know about Shubman Gill but I feel Tilak Varma might be dropped for the next match.”

The cricket pundit also lauded Jitesh Sharma for his 31-run knock off 20 balls while batting at number five, but suggested he try to finish the matches if he wants to remain in the team.

Chopra signed off by saying, “Jitesh played a good knock. Let me put my hand up and say that Jitesh played well but he will have to be mindful that he needs to finish matches because he could have done that. He is batting so beautifully.”

The second T20I will be played in Indore on January 14.