Former India batsman and now a renowned commentator Aakash Chopra has underlined the importance for Rahul Tripathi to perform well in the upcoming 3rd T20I against New Zealand. The India-New Zealand T20I series stands level at 1-1 after two matches.
The third and the series-deciding T20I will be played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
In his YouTube video, previewing the 3rd T20I, Aakash Chopra pointed out that since India don’t play many T20I going forward this year – as ODI cricket takes preference – this match is “extremely important” for Rahul Tripathi, who has managed scores of 0(6) and 13(16) in the two matches so far this series.
Before this series, Rahul Tripathi cracked 35 (16) vs Sri Lanka, displaying his aggressive brand of cricket.
However, consistency is also needed from the number 3 batsman if he wishes to stay in the T20I team for next year’s T20 WC.
“It is an extremely important match for Rahul Tripathi. He will definitely play at No. 3 and hopefully he will do well because the next opportunity will come after a long time. India do not have T20 matches at all,” Chopra said in his YouTube video.
Chopra asserted that the two openers – Kishan and Gill – also don’t have a confirmed spot in the T20I side. With both of them failing in the two matches, this Ahmedabad series-decided is also crucial for the opening duo. Gill may not even play if Prithvi Shaw gets a game today.
“Gill and Ishan Kishan are there as openers. It seemed Ishan Kishan was getting some form in the last match but the pitch was very difficult. Gill has the form but he hasn’t scored runs. So they are searching,” Chopra added.
Coming to the bowling department, the 45-year-old hoped that Shivam Mavi takes the new ball instead of Hardik Pandya.
“I want Shivam Mavi to bowl with the new ball. Arshdeep Singh should bowl the first over as it is important to hit Finn Allen’s pads. The remaining bowling is fine but the top three have to score runs because they have not scored too many runs however the pitches might have been,” Chopra assered.
