Former India player turned commentator Aakash Chopra has expressed his concern about Delhi Capitals (DC) off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s current form ever since he has been named in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup. He pointed to Ashwin’s IPL 2021 stats – four wickets from nine matches at an average of 63.50 and an economy rate of 7.51 as well.

While speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said: “I expect Ashwin to bowl too full quota of four overs and [without too many action changes] bowl from a single spot because he’s too good a bowler. I am a bit worried from an Indian perspective because nothing has happened since his selection in the Indian team. He’s taken what, three wickets this season? His economy is now touching nearly eight, [he conceded] 40 runs in four overs in the last game on a Sharjah pitch, I mean, that is surprising.”

However, Aakash Chopra said that before DC’s match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Monday. He also opened up on the recent form of openers Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw.

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He said: “I am a bit worried about Prithvi Shaw’s form because first half was spectacular but UAE hasn’t suited him. I didn’t in 2020 and also in 2021…he hasn’t scored runs in any of the matches he has played here… Shikhar Dhawan was once again spectacular [but] he has not lived up to the billing yet in the second half…”

However, Aakash Chopra had also said that they should consider dropping Steve Smith, who has been batting in the top order since replacing finisher Marcus Stoinis. Chopra also said that they could bring in wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings to the team as he can do better in the middle order.

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“Would you like to continue with Steve Smith?… By doing that you are making your batting a bit up and down. Sam Billings is waiting in the wings. You can play him at No. 6, he might suit the bill [more] and he also used to play for Chennai,” Aakash Chopra concluded.