Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has picked his India playing XI for the third ODI against West Indies, making two changes to the team. The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium.
India have already sealed the series after winning the first two matches.
Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel (Aakash Chopra), he said: “Prasidh Krishna has been ruled out. Anshul Kamboj has been made a part of the team, but will he play? No. If given a chance to play, who should be played? I say play him, man, play Mohammed Siraj now. Because honestly speaking, I can’t wrap my head around the fact that he isn’t part of the 11. You need batting at number eight. Actually, Auqib Nabi should also be played because, I mean, you won’t drop him after just one match, right?”
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He again shared, “For Naman Dhir, you have an excuse that his ankle twisted, so we can sit him out for now. Play Nitish Kumar Reddy because if you are preparing, and when you start talking about the World Cup, you realize the importance of Hardik Pandya that the guy is very necessary, and if he isn’t there, I mean, that’s the other possibility. If he isn’t there, then what? Then in that case, you will need Nitish Kumar Reddy, right?”
However, Aakash Chopra also questioned why India are so concerned about having an all-rounder at No. 8 instead of playing four specialist bowlers as well. He added that No. 5 batter KL Rahul has not had a chance to bat in the series so far, despite keeping wickets for both games as well.
“The guy at number five isn’t even getting a chance. I mean, in the first match, the team scores 300. KL Rahul doesn’t get to bat. In the second match, the opposing team scores 400. Then KL Rahul doesn’t get to bat. He keeps for the full 50-50 overs. He doesn’t get a chance to face a single ball. I mean, just think about it. It was his 100th match. He bats at number five. He isn’t getting to bat. Whether you get batting at number eight or not. Why are you so worried?,” he concluded.
