SA v IND 2021-22: "Can't digest this fact," Aakash Chopra unhappy with India dropping Venkatesh Iyer for third ODI

India made four changes in the ongoing third ODI against South Africa in Cape Town.

Venkatesh Iyer | Getty

Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra was disappointed with Team India’s selection for the ongoing third ODI against South Africa in Cape Town. 

Having already lost the series, Team India are currently taking on South Africa in the dead-rubber third ODI in Cape Town. The KL Rahul-led side made as many as four changes for the final game. 

Suryakumar Yadav, Jayant Yadav, Prasidh Krishna and Deepak Chahar replaced the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna respectively. Although skipper KL Rahul didn’t mention the exact reason for the changes, he said while a few had niggles, others had to make way because they wanted to try some things. 

Read Also: WATCH - Fans slam Virat Kohli for chewing gum during the national anthem

Venkatesh Iyer being dropped from the playing XI didn’t go well with Aakash Chopra. The former Indian cricketer said that decision of dropping the all-rounder makes no sense as he played only twice and bowled in the one match only. He also expressed his disappointment over Team India going with only five bowlers

“One thing that has really surprised me is that Venkatesh Iyer cannot be unfit. I really can't digest this fact. Because that doesn't make sense at all. You played him only twice, handed him the ball only once and then you drop him in the next match. You are once again going with only five bowlers. I'm not 100 per cent with the fact...Iyer has been dropped,” Aakash Chopra said on Star Sports. 

Notably, Venkatesh Iyer scored 2 and 22 runs respectively in the first two ODIs. He didn’t bowl in the first game but chipped in with 5 overs in the second game, conceding 28 runs. 

(Star Sports inputs) 

 
 

By Ankitjit Singh - 23 Jan, 2022

    Share Via