Aakash Chopra outlines why Chennai T20I would serve as challenge for Abhishek Sharma
The southpaw plundered a quickfire 79 in the series opener against England.
India opener Abhishek Sharma looked in sensational touch in the first T20I of the five-match series against England in Kolkata. He did not hesitate to take the charge against the English bowling unit, smashing a 34-ball 79 knock in return. His explosive knock entailed five fours and eight maximums, as India took no time in overhauling England's total with seven wickets in the bag.
Former cricketer, Aakash Chopra, explained why the upcoming T20I at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai - the venue for the encounter would pose as an interesting challenge for the southpaw, relating it to the nature of the pitch and opposition's bowling attack at the venue.
"Abhishek Sharma has played an excellent knock, but the side boundaries will be big here. I don't think they will start with Gus Atkinson here. Mark Wood will be there with Jofra (Archer) and the bouncers will be bowled. I feel that will be a very good examination," shared Chopra while speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
The cricketer-turned-commentator also outlined why it would be intriguing to witness how Sanju Samson tweaks his gameplay.
"It will be interesting for Sanju Samson as well. He thrashed Gus (Atkinson), 22 runs in an over, but didn't score that many runs against anyone else. These are tall bowlers who bowl with effort and if someone goes so deep in the crease, which Sanju is going, it becomes slightly difficult to turn and play the shot off the backfoot as the weight transfer doesn't happen that well," he noted.
Varun Chakravarthy hasn't turned and looked back: Chopra
Chopra further went onto praise Varun Chakravarthy's comeback in international cricket. He commended the mystery spinner's analytical mindset.
"Varun Chakaravarthy said a very good thing. He said that he used to focus side-spin earlier and is now emphasising on over-spin. He is a thinking cricketer. He watched a lot of his videos and understood why he wasn't able to pick up wickets and put batters under pressure. So, is this the way to go, and he has flourished," added Chopra.
The Agra-born also recalled Chakravarthy's peach of a delivery to get rid of Liam Livingstone in the first game.
"He has been incredible since he made his comeback. He hasn't turned and looked back. He has consistently picked up wickets and the ball he hit on Liam Livingstone's stumps, it reminded me that no matter how many sixes you might have hit and come, you can't do anything if you are unable to read spin from the hand," the former Indian opener observed.
India will lock horns with England in Chennai for the second T20I of the series. The T20Is will be succeeded by three ODIs.
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