Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on potential changes in India’s playing XI for the fourth T20I against New Zealand. Chopra reckons India would bring back Varun Chakravarthy in the starting XI and vice-captain Axar Patel can also make a comeback if he is fit.

Patel had suffered a finger injury in the opening T20I when he was hit on his bowling hand when Daryl Mitchell had smashed the ball hard. 

Chopra said he would like to see Varun Chakravarthy back in the playing XI as resting a one-format player is not a great idea.

“You might see Axar Patel playing in this match if he is fit. Will Arshdeep play this one, with Bumrah being rested, because that’s what is also happening, but I do want Varun to play,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel. 

“I want to see Varun Chakaravarthy playing because he plays only one format. Resting a one-format player is not a great thing, is what I think. No matter how good one is, everyone needs rhythm. If something is going fine, why should you stop it?” he added.

On the other hand, the renowned commentator reckons New Zealand will need to do something extraordinary if they need to go past the Indian juggernaut.

“New Zealand will have to do something extraordinary to actually stop this juggernaut. We might go 4-0 ahead or we might experiment a lot, and then we allow them to win one game, maybe,” he said.

Chopra feels dew will be a major factor in the fourth T20I at Visakhapatnam.

“A lot of dew comes in Visakhapatnam as well. This ground is right next to the sea. It’s a high-scoring venue. I am saying that India should once again win this match, and there are no boxes left as such to be ticked. India is doing well. It feels good,” Chopra observed.

The fourth T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.