The Baroda-born player is a vital cog in the Indian team, especially in the shortest format. Since his return to the side, India have been able to deploy him as a sixth-bowler on a consistent basis, while his growing stature as a batter has also eased things.
He has managed to register his best T20I figures and highest score over the last few months, which shows the form he is in.
Admitting that India look the weaker side in comparison to South Africa with Hardik Pandya not part of the squad, Chopra said on his YouTube channel:
South Africa are yet to lose a T20I series in India so far. They came out as 2-0 winners during their first bilateral series on Indian soil in 2015 and have gone onto secure draws in 2019 and 2022.
“I think India will lose this game” - Aakash Chopra predicts South Africa to go 1-0 up in the series
Apart from the upcoming three-match bilateral series, the two nations will also square off in T20 World Cup 2022 after being drawn in the same Super 12s group.
Predicting India to lose the series opener primarily because of Hardik Pandya’s absence and their death bowling woes, Chopra said:
The Men in Blue find themselves without Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya for the series. Arshdeep Singh makes a return to the side after missing out on the T20Is against Australia.
Other changes to the squad include the inclusions of Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Hooda, while Mohammed Shami continues to be absent due to COVID-19.
Claiming that Harshal Patel’s form is the primary issue at present rather than the player, Chopra added:
Who will win the first T20I between India and South Africa? Let us know what you think.
0 votes
