Aakash Chopra questions India’s batting order tactics in IND vs SA 2025 1st ODI

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has questioned India’s batting order tactics despite their 17-run win against South Africa in the opening ODI at the JSCA International Sports Complex, Ranchi on Sunday. Chopra slammed the team’s think tank for batting players out of their usual position.

Ruturaj Gaikwad got a chance in the playing XI, but the top-order batter batted at number four. Washington Sundar was once again given a promotion batting at number five. But both the batters could not grab their opportunities as Gaikwad was dismissed after scoring only eight runs, whereas Sundar managed only 13 runs. 

Chopra raised concerns about whether Hardik Pandya will bat at number seven once he returns to the team after recovering from his injury.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “Gaikwad bats at number four and Washington Sundar comes at five. I can understand when Axar Patel was there it made sense for Rahul to go at six. If Rahul bats at six, does it mean Hardik Pandya will bat at seven? Whoever usually don’t bat at that number, are doing so. Rahul has performed incredibly well at four and five even though he scored a half-century here.”

The renowned commentator questioned Nitish Kumar Reddy’s exclusion from the side when Hardik Pandya is not there.

He added, “Nitish Kumar Reddy still couldn’t find a spot, so he should be dropped for the next series. Instead, he could play domestic cricket and feature in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was selected on promise and potential, given someone should be there if Hardik Pandya is not. Since World Cup is in South Africa, they probably want to have another pace-bowling all-rounder. But they are not preparing him. So, what is the point of keeping him in the squad?”

The cricketer-turned commentator said Ruturaj Gaikwad doesn’t deserve to be judged in these three ODIs against South Africa.

“Ruturaj Gaikwad was given an opportunity at number four. He doesn’t play at number four. Dewald Brevis took an outstanding catch but all I was thinking at the moment that Gaikwad should be getting more opportunities. He deserves an opportunity in all three games, and even if he performs poorly, don’t discard him. Gaikwad doesn’t deserve to be judged in these three performances because he is an opener. Till the time he gets a chance to open the innings, you have no right to pass a judgment on Gaikwad’s ODI career.”

The second ODI between India and South Africa will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur on Wednesday.