IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra feels Ishan Kishan should bat at No.4 for Mumbai Indians instead of Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya walked in at the No.4 slot for the Mumbai Indians (MI) side in their clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR). And, Pandya did a wonderful job with the willow in hand and scored 39* off just 26 deliveries to guide his side to a win.

But then, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has opined that he personally does not like the idea of Krunal Pandya batting at the No.4 slot for the Mumbai Indians (MI) side. Chopra also clarified that he has nothing against Pandya, but Ishan Kishan is a better choice at No.4.

Chopra also stated that if the Rohit Sharma-led side has kept Krunal Pandya in the side for his bowling, he questioned them as to why the Mumbai side gave Krunal just a solitary over to bowl. Chopra was also of the opinion that in Mumbai’s next clash against Chennai, the MS Dhoni-led side has a plethora of left-handers like Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Suresh Raina, and Ravindra Jadeja in their arsenal, and Krunal might not get to bowl much.

“It was certainly interesting that they dropped in the last match. They have enough bowlers but Krunal Pandya batting at No.4. Personally, I don’t like the idea. Not that I don’t like Krunal Pandya but my issue is that if you are playing him to bat at No.4, then Ishan is better.

And if you have kept him for bowling, then you gave him just the one over. The opposition team will have left-handers here as well. Firstly, you will have Moeen Ali, then Suresh Raina, and then Jaddu and Sam Curran. So, you will not be able to bowl Krunal Pandya much here as well,” said Chopra on his YouTube Channel.

Aakash Chopra wants Ishan Kishan to replace Krunal Pandya

Aakash Chopra further added that the Mumbai side should play Jayant Yadav in their playing XI, drop Krunal Pandya and get Ishan Kishan into the side. Chopra concluded by stating that this is the only change that he would like the Mumbai side to make.

“If that is the case, you should continue to play Jayant, keep the rest also the same and get Ishan Kishan instead of Krunal. Ishan looked alright in Chennai also, he was not doing that bad. Other than that, I don’t see scope of any other change in this team,” concluded Chopra.

The Mumbai Indians will next face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on 1st May 2021 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.