Mumbai, Sep 1 : Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra said Sunday’s Asia Cup Group A match between India and Pakistan in Dubai had lived up to the hype generated ahead of the marquee clash, calling the adrenaline rush during the match as ‘free manicure.Sunday’s game witnessed India and Pakistan play in an intense match that was decided by the final over and gave the spectators in the Dubai International Stadium as well as those who watched from the ease of their homes a match worthy of the anticipation prior to the match.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya was the driving force that allowed India in winning the thrilling match by 5 wickets.He picked 3-25 with the ball and smashing an unbeaten 33 off just 17 balls which included the decisive six in the final over.
“The India-Pakistan game was a success as it lived up to the hype It was an intense tug of war that leaned towards either side at any time.As an broadcaster I had to be neutral however, it was an Indian-Pakistan match at the end of the day.It was just my wish for India to take the victory,” said Chopra in the chatroom audio session of “CricChat powered by Parimatch using the Sharechat application.
Chopra was then asked about the order of play of the squad, in which Dinesh Karthik was picked ahead of Rishabh Pant in the match against Pakistan prior to the duo being placed together in the eleven against Hong Kong.”It is unfair to Dinesh Kartik to play as a number 7 because he is an expert.”
Chopra believes that Virat Kohli’s decision to quit captaincy because of an unfortunate day is unfair.”There was only one T20 (ODI) world cup (in 2019) in which he played as captain and we made it to the semi-final.To be blamed for the outcome of one bad day is unfair on him.While I’m not an avid Kohli Captaincy fan, but I observed weaknesses in his captaincy and criticized when needed however a trail of fans shouldn’t have been made.”
Further discussing the captaincy, according Chopra that, regardless of what happens, regardless of whether India is victorious or not at the forthcoming Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia in October and November, Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian team for the 2023 World Cup and there must be an alteration in the captain’s position afterward.”Since Rohit Sharma won’t get any older, an arrangement of succession is needed.Hardik Pandya is a candidate to lead the Indian Team.”
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