Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra expects Virat Kohli to be the Player of the Match in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup match against Canada if the game is not abandoned due to rain as well. He has managed only five runs in three innings in the ongoing edition so far as well.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “I don’t see any threat in the opposing team because the Florida pitch does not pose any threat. If it had been New York, I would have said that you need to tread cautiously. I am not seeing any threat from Canada. I feel India will be in a very decent space. I feel, if this match happens, Virat Kohli could be the Man of the Match. I am expecting runs from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s bats. In bowling, if Kuldeep Yadav plays, I am expecting at least three wickets from him. I feel Ravindra Jadeja will eventually come to the fore as well and pick up wickets.”

However, Aakash Chopra was happy to see Shivam Dube was among the runs in India’s last game against the USA as well, claiming that Sanju Samson wouldn’t have been an ideal replacement as a lower-middle-order batter. Meanwhile, Dube also failed to force the pace against Pakistan and he was dismissed for a nine-ball three. And, Aakash Chopra expects Kuldeep Yadav to replace a pace bowler, potentially Mohammed Siraj, in India’s playing XI as well.

“If the captain wants, he (Jadeja) will also come to bat slightly up the order. Since Shivam Dube has regained his form, it gives you comfort. Let’s be honest, you were talking about Sanju Samson, that he should be played, but what will you get by making Sanju bat at No. 6?” he concluded. “There might be one change in the team. Kuldeep Yadav might come in and a fast bowler might have to sit out because the Florida pitch traditionally turns and helps the spinners. I see Kuldeep Yadav playing. Kuldeep Yadav in place of Siraj – unfortunate, I know – and that’s about it.”