Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has questioned Rohit Sharma’s tactics in the first ODI against Bangladesh. The renowned commentator questioned why Washington Sundar didn’t bowl his full quota of overs despite bowling a fine spell.
Sundar had scalped two wickets in his five overs, conceding only 17 runs. But the off-spinner was not backed by Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for more overs, which was a surprise for Chopra.
India went on to lose the first game by one wicket after Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored an unbeaten knock of 38 runs to get his team home in a thrilling finish.
“Washington Sundar, that’s a big question. He conceded just 17 runs, and picked up 2 wickets and I’m asking this question why didn’t he bowl all his overs? He could have bowled at least 7-8 overs because he got rid of a right-hander as well. He could have bowled a few overs when the 51-run stand between Mehidy Hasan and Mustafizur was building up. Just dangle the carrot and see what happens,” Chopra told on his Youtube Channel.
Meanwhile, Chopra feels the six bowling options were not wisely used by Rohit Sharma. However, the former Delhi player showered praise on Mohammed Siraj for his fine spell of 3-32 in 10 overs.
“The bowler was having a great day, but he didn’t get to bowl his full quota of overs. When you have 6 bowlers, you don’t know how to use them. Siraj was brilliant. He bowled really well, 3 wickets for 32 runs. There was the sideway moment. The seamers bowled well but they lacked the knockout punch towards the end,” he added.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma admitted they didn’t put enough runs on the board after their loss in the first game. India was skittled out for only 186 runs as they failed to come up with a collective batting performance.
Meanwhile, the visitors have made two changes in the second game against Bangladesh as they have brought in Axar Patel and Umran Malik in the final XI.