Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opened up on opportunities for Indian players in the upcoming Asia Cup. Chopra highlighted that batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer are not part of the squad and in their absence, the selected would look to grab their chances.
Chopra feels Jaiswal and Iyer would be in contention for selection moving forward. Meanwhile, Iyer scored 604 runs in 17 matches at an average of 50.33 and a blistering strike rate of 175.07. Ergo, he played an instrumental role in taking PBKS to the final of the tournament.
On the other hand, Jaiswal scored 559 runs in 14 matches of IPL 2025 for Rajasthan Royals at an average of 43 and a strike rate of 159.71.
Chopra reckons the pace duo of Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj would also be in contention for T20I selection.
“Opportunities for a lot of players. Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal are not part of the team. They will come. Prasidh Krishna is not part of the team, and Mohammed Siraj, maybe, as well. Suddenly, these people are going to push for a place in the side. So it’s a massive opportunity for whoever is playing here,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
The renowned commentator said the batting trio of Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma would look to deliver in the continental tournament.
“Seize the moment and make it your own. It’s an opportunity for Shubman Gill to silence the naysayers. It’s an opportunity for Abhishek Sharma to enhance his reputation a little more. It’s a chance for Tilak Varma to grab the No. 3 or No. 4 position, or else Shreyas Iyer is breathing down your neck,” he observed.
Meanwhile, the former Delhi cricketer said India will look to extend their supremacy in T20Is.
“Some teams play to save their existence. This team will play to once again establish its supremacy, that we are the strongest and this is what we want to prove to the world. We play a brand of cricket that we are cut above the rest. You have to do that kind of domination. That is the opportunity,” he said.
“You have the opportunity to try different combinations. It’s called the precursor to the symphony, as you have to play the World Cup after six months. While it is correct, there are 15 T20Is after this. It’s not like this is the last T20I series,” Chopra reasoned.
India will open their campaign against the UAE at the Dubai International Stadium on September 10.
