Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra questioned Ravi Bishnoi’s absence in the second T20I against South Africa at St George’s Park, Gqeberha on Tuesday. India backed experienced duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav in the second game of the series after the first match was called off due to rain.
Meanwhile, Bishnoi was awarded the Player of the Series for his fine bowling performance throughout the five matches against Australia. The leg-spinner scalped nine wickets in the five matches of the series and ended as the leading wicket-taker of the series.
The leg-spinner was able to provide crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs and delivered for the team along with Axar Patel.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “I am still unable to understand the team selection. Shreyas Iyer didn’t play and you would be thinking why he didn’t play as he was the vice-captain in the last match. He scored a fifty as well against Australia and he didn’t play in this match.”
The former India opener added: “No one told why he didn’t play. Along with him, Ravi Bishnoi – he was the Player of the Series of the last series. He is currently No. 1 in the ICC T20I rankings but he too didn’t play.”
Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad was not picked because he was ill whereas Chopra was surprised that India picked Tilak Varma ahead of Shreyas Iyer.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t play because he was unwell, but you started wondering what was the plan, that Tilak Varma was at No. 3 and Shreyas Iyer wasn’t. Was Tilak there as he could bowl? But did he bowl? Did he not bowl because the match was shortened due to rain?”
Arshdeep Singh batted at number eight for India and the renowned commentator was baffled by the team’s selection.
“You still didn’t have a batter at No. 8. The selection was slightly baffling because there was no explanation. Someone will explain at some stage and then I will correct myself. However, at this point in time, I am slightly confused. At least tell what exactly is happening.”
The third and final T20I of the series will be played at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Thursday.
