Mohammed Shami may be brought into the side for New Zealand clash: Aakash Chopra

India won the match against Bangladesh in a comfortable manner but an injury blow to star all-rounder Hardik Pandya gave tough times to the team. Hardik, who got injured while fielding on his own bowling, moved off the field and didn't take further part in the game. While Pandya won't take the field for the New Zealand game, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra gave his take on how Suryakumar Yadav can chip in at number 6 or Mohammed Shami can take the field for India.

Chopra also threw light on how Pandya's exit from the team changes everything and how the combination of the team would be disturbed since he plays crucial roles for the team across departments.

Hosting JioCinema’s daily sports show ‘#AAKASHVANI,’ Aakash Chopra spoke about the impact Hardik Pandya’s absence from the match against New Zealand in Dharamsala on Sunday could have on team India’s composition.

“You may take this with a fist of salt if you like, but the truth is if any of your batters, be it Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli or KL Rahul, or any of your bowlers be it Mohammed Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj or (Jasprit) Bumrah has to sit out of a few matches for whatever reason, the balance of your team will not be affected. The DNA of the team won’t change. But, currently, there’s one player in the team whose exit from the playing XI changes everything and that’s Hardik Pandya. Because Hardik bats in your top six. He’s your only batsman who bowls and bowls well. So, his injury has caused a lot of problems for India. 

Speaking about the options in front of India, Chopra said: “One option that they have is to play Suryakumar Yadav at No. 6. The other change that I see is Mohammed Shami may be brought into the side, so you see the balance will be affected.” 

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