Former India cricketer makes a bold prediction on the first T20I between India and South Africa

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has said that South Africa can win the first T20I against India on June 9 in Delhi. The Proteas are starting as favorites as they would be fielding their best XI in the series. On the other hand, the hosts will be fielding their second-string team. Meanwhile, Chopra said that if the Proteas won the toss, they will win the game convincingly.

On the other hand, the commentator said that if the Men In Blue win the toss, the game will be a close affair. Notably, the toss might be an important factor in the game due to the flat nature of the wicket and small ground dimensions where defending won’t be easy.

“Earlier, I predicted India would win this game, but now I believe South Africa can win.” If South Africa manages to win the toss, they will win a match completely, but if India manages to win the toss, I believe South Africa will win 51-49,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

The 44-year-old added that Yuzvendra Chahal and Kagiso Rabada will pick three wickets each for their respective sides. Also, the Agra-born said that the newly-appointed skipper Rishabh Pant must be bowling Chahal against David Miller in the death overs or against Quinton de Kock in the powerplay.

“Chahal and Rabada will each take three or more wickets. Chahal bowls are becoming increasingly popular. Rishabh Pant is the skipper, so he may ask him to bowl toward the end. His numbers are better, whether he’s up against David Miller or Quinton de Kock. Kagiso Rabada – powerplay, death overs – I think he’ll get a couple of wickets.”

He concluded by saying that Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer can add 65 runs for the team. However, the 10-Test player advised that Indian team to play Pandya as a floater.

“Hardik and Shreyas will score more than 65 runs together. Hardik will perform the finisher’s role, according to Rahul Dravid, but it doesn’t mean he can’t bat higher up the order. When a wicket falls after 10 overs, bring in Hardik. There will be bouncers, and Tabraiz Shamsi’s leg-spin against Shreyas will cause him some trouble.”