Aakash Chopra rates Indian players’ performance in WTC Final, Cheteshwar Pujara gets lowest marks

Aakash Chopra lauded Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami's brilliant spell.

Updated - 25 Jun 2021, 13:12 IST

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Team India played some quality Test cricket in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship and subsequently, advanced for the final encounter. Unfortunately, New Zealand defeated Virat Kohli’s men by eight wickets in the summit clash and walked away with the prestigious title. India did put up a substantial effort in the final and were in the hunt for the major part of the game. However, they couldn’t capitalize on some crunch moments and subsequently, fell short of the glory.

Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra presented his views on India’s performance by rating all the 11 players featuring in the WTC final. Starting from the openers, Chopra gave Rohit Sharma 6/10, saying the veteran looked good and got starts in both innings despite the challenging conditions. However, Hitman’s opening partner Shubman Gill got just 4/10 as Aakash feels the youngster wasn’t up to the mark.

“I will give Rohit 6/10. He got starts in both innings. I will say the glass is half full because Rohit saw off the new ball in both innings, the most difficult thing in SENA countries. Shubman Gill helped Rohit Sharma in the first innings but got out early in the second innings. Just 4/10,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

You expect more from Cheteshwar Pujara: Aakash Chopra

Chopra was particularly disappointed by Pujara as he had expected a better show from the veteran batsman. “His batting in both innings, you expect more runs from Cheteshwar. In this game, I am going 2/10,” he asserted. Skipper Virat Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane got 5/10 as Chopra believes both batsmen impressed in their first outing but should have done better in the second innings.

Pant, who made a handy 41 in the second innings, also got 5/10 as Aakash wasn’t amused by the way he got out. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was rated 3/10 for his under-par show while his fellow spinner Ravichandran Ashwin received 6/10 for taking four wickets in the game.

The 43-year-old was impressed with pace duo Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma’s performances as he gave them 7 and 6 points respectively. However, that wasn’t the case with Jasprit Bumrah as the star fast bowler was wicketless in the entire game. Hence, Chopra rated him 3/10.