Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has revealed the changes he wants in the Indian XI for the upcoming second T20I against Ireland to be played in Dublin on June 28, 2022. India is 1-0 up in the two-T20I series and Chopra feels that India should give chances to fringe players in the squad.
Aakash Chopra believes since India is leading the series 1-0, they now have the choice to play around with personnel ahead of the second T20I.
One of the spots in India XI that Chopra feels is available is that of the opener, with Ruturaj Gaikwad suffering from a calf injury, the former India opener feels that India should try out Venkatesh Iyer at that spot, if Gaikwad fails to get fit in time.
Venkatesh Iyer has played 9 T20Is for India after impressing one and all with his hitting prowess at the top for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2021 in UAE and is seen as a potential cover for Hardik Pandya in the Indian team as a pace-bowling all-rounder.
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Though playing for KKR as an opener, in the matches he has played for India, he has usually come in at number 6, but still managed to do well, striking at over 162 in that role.
“The first big question is Ruturaj Gaikwad's availability. If he doesn't open, who will do? I feel you will give an opportunity to Venkatesh Iyer. If he is not worthy of playing, why have you kept him in the team? You don't go on a tourist visa,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Another change that Chopra feels should happen is Iyer can also replace Akshar Patel in the XI, given that the left-arm spinner might not be effective on small Dublin ground in Ireland.
“I am saying you can play him (Venkatesh) instead of Axar Patel, go for another fast-bowling option. Hardik is anyway bowling well, your bowling is not going to fall short, considering the lack of depth in the opposition camp as regards to batting,” Chopra said.
Chopra also pointed out that there are more options in case Gaikwad is unavailable.
“Sanju Samson and Rahul Tripathi are sitting out, those are also a couple of options. Can you actually start thinking along those lines? I feel Sanju will get a chance, Rahul Tripathi will be on the list,” he added.
