Aakash Chopra On T20 WC Opener Against Ireland: “Ravindra Jadeja Is Not Your Finisher”

In the lead-up to India’s ICC T20 World Cup opener against Ireland, former opener Aakash Chopra raised concerns about all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s role as a finisher. India, the inaugural T20 World Cup champions in 2007, are aiming for their first ICC trophy since 2013’s Champions Trophy win.

Chopra, speaking on JioCinema’s sports show ‘#AAKASHVANI,’ pointed out Jadeja’s struggles as a finisher and highlighted Shivam Dube’s form concerns. While acknowledging positive signs from key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav, he also expressed worries about India’s fielding.

Regarding the game strategy against Ireland, Chopra emphasized the importance of early wickets and effective batting with the new ball at Nassau County Cricket Stadium. He underlined the need for India to maintain their morale by avoiding early wickets and exerting spin control during their bowling.

The squads for the match are as follows:

India Squad: Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube

Ireland Squad: Paul Stirling(c), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker(w), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Ross Adair, Barry McCarthy, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, Craig Young, Benjamin White, Neil Rock, Graham Hume.