The visiting Windies were bowled out for 176 runs in the first ODI of the three-match series. The underwhelming target was easily chased down by the hosts to take a 1-0 lead going into the second game on February 9 at the same venue, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Reflecting on the game in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra highlighted that the West Indian batting performance did not give him any enjoyment. He said:
The former India cricketer added that the Kieron Pollard-led side were probably aiming for a massive score on a slightly spin-friendly pitch. Aakash Chopra elaborated:
None of the top-order West Indian batters spent enough time in the middle. Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran and Pollard - three of the most experienced batters in their lineup - were all dismissed playing extravagant shots.
“Whoever is batting up the order needs to score runs” - Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra believes Jason Holder’s elevation in the batting order cannot be the solution to West Indies’ batting woes. He explained:
However, the reputed commentator was appreciative of the lanky all-rounder and Fabian Allen’s efforts with the bat. Chopra observed:
Holder and Allen stitched together a 78-run partnership for the eighth wicket after West Indies were reduced to a score of 79/7 at one stage. The stand lent some respectability to the total, although it proved well below-par in the end.
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