Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has urged India to not make many changes in the final XI of the Super Fours clash against Sri Lanka at Dubai on Friday. As India has already qualified for the final of the continental tournament, this will be a dead rubber contest.
Chopra highlighted that India has already experimented a lot in the tournament and doesn’t want the team to change the winning combination against Sri Lanka.
India has the option of giving opportunities to players like Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Jitesh Sharma, and Rinku Singh but Chopra wants India to play the same team that they would play in the final against Pakistan.
“It’s an inconsequential game otherwise, but it’s important from India’s perspective. Will you experiment more, as we are doing so open-heartedly? A turmoil is being seen in the XI. However, will anyone outside the XI also be seen? That’s the big question,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“Will Jitesh Sharma or Rinku be seen? Will Arshdeep get a chance? These are the bigger questions. Will they continue with Bumrah or rest him? Why are you creating turmoil? Continue playing the same team as it’s going well. Don’t change too much because the next game is the final,” Chopra observed.
Meanwhile, India had chopped and changed their batting order against Bangladesh but Chopra wants the team to not tinker too much with their batting line-up against Sri Lanka.
“If you wish, change before the game. Play Arshdeep, Rinku and Jitesh if you wish. Whatever you want to do, do it before the game. Experiments are helpful if you gain something from them and are able to stick with them. You cannot stick with whatever you are trying to do. You are not going to send Sanju Samson consistently at No. 8,” he said.
The renowned commentator wants the team’s think tank to give their chances to players according to their specific roles.
“You are not going to send Shivam Dube at No. 3. You are not going to keep Tilak Varma at No. 6. Roles are very important in T20s. Selection happens based on roles. If someone is good at a position, they should remain there only for as long as possible, because if someone gets a new role, they take time to understand, and you lose the momentum and game in those three to four overs,” Chlopra elaborated.
India will take on Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Friday.
