Cricket

Aakash Chopra urges India to chase in 2025 Champions Trophy, says batting is team’s strength

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra wants India to bat second in the upcoming Champions Trophy. The renowned commentator highlighted that India’s batting is their strength but they have an issue in their bowling.

India would be missing the services of their gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out with a back injury. However, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel has picked five spinners in their squad – Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy.

Meanwhile, in the recent ODI series against England, India won the first two matches by chasing targets. The hosts won the opening game by achieving the target of 249 whereas they chased down 305 runs in the second game.

“I am with you 100%. It’s the rule in white-ball cricket that whatever is your strength should be the second thing you should do. If your bowling is good, do that later. If your batting is good, do that later, and this team’s batting is good,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel when asked if India should look to chase in the Champions Trophy.

“We are saying that we have a lot of variation in bowling and have five spinners as well. However, if we are being honest, we have an issue in bowling. Our strength is our batting. We are playing batting till No. 8,” Chopra added.

Meanwhile, the reputed commentator added that the pressure to win matches should be on the batters. Chopra noted that the dew factor will also come into the picture.

“The pressure to win matches should be on the batters. So definitely India should bat second. If you win the toss, decide to bowl, and you ideally do that as well because dew also comes later at times. If there is any danger of dew, that is always in the second innings,” he said (7:05).

“So you should have the bat and not the ball in your hand at that time. Whichever way we might see, the answer to that question is India should chase in almost every match. I don’t think there will be a pitch in Dubai where you will need to bat first,” Chopra observed.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Young Shuttlers Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda Storm Into Taipei Open Quarterfinals

India's emerging badminton stars Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda continued their impressive runs at the… Read More

May 9, 2025

IPL 2025 Faces Suspension Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on the brink of suspension… Read More

May 9, 2025

Lalrindika Replaces Yadwad in India’s Provisional Squad for June Internationals

Edmund Lalrindika has been called up to replace the medically sidelined Irfan Yadwad in India’s… Read More

May 9, 2025

Ange Postecoglou slams critics, says people ‘fear’ Spurs might win Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has lashed out at the club’s critics after they… Read More

May 9, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz gives injury update ahead of Italian Open

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that he is good to go at the Italian Open and… Read More

May 9, 2025

Man City forward Erling Haaland blames lack of ‘hunger’ for poor season

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland feels the lack of hunger led to their poor season.… Read More

May 9, 2025