Former Player Aakash Chopra thinks that Ravindra Jadeja’s absence could have a significant impact on the Indian team’s overall combination in their next games in the current Asia Cup 2022.
He stated that when an all-rounder like Ravindra Jadeja or Hardik Pandya has to skip, the team management is enforced to replace them with 2 players to keep the team balanced.
Chopra opined that the Indian believes tank might have to modify its plans as Jadeja has been ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Speaking on his Official YouTube channel on Sunday (September 4), he said:
“There are some problems now after Ravindra Jadeja’s injury. Hardik Pandya and Jadeja are the types of players that if they are gone, then you need two guys to fill their shoes. The Indian think tank will be thinking that they had sent Ravindra Jadeja at No. 4 to counter the Pakistani spinners.
“But they won’t be able to do the same with Axar Patel. So they might be contemplating playing both Axar and Rishabh. But in this case, Dinesh Karthik will have to sit out.”
Ravindra Jadeja performed a major role in India’s wins over Pakistan and Hong Kong in the multinational event. The southpaw slammed 35 runs against Pakistan, supporting the Men in a Blue chase down a total of 147.
He was affected with the ball in the following clash against Hong Kong, bowling a stingy spell. Jadeja picked up one wicket in the encounter and admitted just 13 runs from his full share of 4 overs.
Axar Patel, who was previously called as one of the 3 reserve performers for the Asia Cup, has replaced Jadeja in India’s team for their remaining fixtures.
“If he again gets out beginning, things could get tricky” – Aakash Chopra’s statement on KL Rahul
The cricketer-turned-commentator further said that it would be significant for KL Rahul to make an effect with the bat in the team’s upcoming Super 4 clash against arch-rivals Pakistan.
He highlighted that the Indian side could be in trouble if the opening batter is once again dismissed soon. Especially, Rahul was out for a golden duck in the first ever over of India’s run-chase against Pakistan.
Chopra added:
“KL Rahul is someone who can change the game. If he fires with the bat in the game, then there wouldn’t be anything to worry about. But if he again gets out early, things could get tricky.”
Will India 🇮🇳 extend their win streak against Pakistan?
Will Pakistan 🇵🇰 carry their sizzling form from Sharjah into this match?The anticipation, the passion, the cheers, the bragging rights: IT IS ON! 🔥@BCCI @TheRealPCB #INDvPAK #GetReadyForEpic #AsiaCup2022 #Super4 #ACC pic.twitter.com/YnIpxSX5Z4
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 4, 2022
The Rohit Sharma-led Indian side is set to dispute with Pakistan for the 2nd time in the competition. The 2 teams will battle it out at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night in the Super 4 stage.
Also read:- Asia Cup 2022: 3 Sri Lanka performers to watch out for ahead of the Super 4 stage