Despite India securing the T20I series against Afghanistan with back-to-back wins, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about skipper Rohit Sharma’s form. In the first two matches, Rohit faced dismissal without contributing to the scoreboard, raising eyebrows about his shot selection.
In a YouTube video, Chopra criticised Rohit’s unusual shot on his first ball in the second T20I, emphasising the need for more calculated batting. While acknowledging Rohit’s undeniable ability, Chopra stressed the importance of the upcoming IPL for the skipper to regain his form, expressing hope that he would replicate his ODI World Cup performance.
“It was extremely surprising the way Rohit got out. He was playing just his first ball. He doesn’t make such shots. The ball went and hit his stumps. He got run out in the last match and was bowled for zero in this match. He hasn’t scored a single run in this series thus far,” Chopra said.
“Run out was not his mistake, but…” says Aakash Chopra.
Further speaking about Rohit’s last match run-out incident, Aakash Chopra says, “Run-out was not his mistake, but the shot selection was. There is no doubt about Rohit Sharma’s form and ability. However, he will have to be in form in the IPL, and I feel he will bat like this only. We need 38-40, the runs he scored in the ODI World Cup, from his bat.”
With competition intensifying for the T20 World Cup spots, especially in the opening position, Rohit faces challenges from emerging talents like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, returning to T20Is after 14 months, displayed an aggressive batting approach, contributing 29 runs from 16 balls in the second match against Afghanistan. As the T20 World Cup 2024 draws near, the performance of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli becomes crucial in the selection process.
