Aakash Chopra has advised Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and team management to be smarter with Hardik Pandya’s overs, suggesting the all-rounder should be used more strategically rather than being held back for the closing stages. Chopra felt Hardik is less effective in the death overs, though he stressed that India’s bowling unit, overall, is far from fragile.
India leaked 195 runs against the West Indies in their last match and now face an even stiffer examination against England’s batting order in the semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday, March 5. Chopra was asked whether India’s attack can deliver in a knockout game, given the chatter around Hardik’s approach, Arshdeep Singh’s execution, Varun Chakravarthy’s poor form, and Axar Patel not being used in the match-ups.
“The bowling unit is solid, but is it our biggest strength right now? Probably not. I wouldn’t label it weak, especially when a side has eight dependable overs to rely on. Varun Chakravarthy may not have been at his best lately, but he remains a quality bowler. Jasprit Bumrah’s four overs are always a major asset, and Varun can contribute similarly. Even Arshdeep Singh has done well overall if you take away that one over where he gave away 24 runs,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“He’s a genuine wicket-taker with the new ball, and even with the older ball. Hardik Pandya has to be handled smartly. He is a quality bowler, but not in the middle-overs. Axar Patel is a reliable bowler,” he added.
Hardik has taken six wickets from seven matches at an average of 36.17 and an economy rate of 8.68.
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