NEW DELHI: Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra expressed surprise at Virat Kohli's aggressive approach during the second T20I against Afghanistan but cautioned against altering his strike rate, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistency.
Virat Kohli (29 off 16), making his return to T20I cricket after over a year, showcased an attacking intent with a strike rate well above 180 in the match against Afghanistan.
Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, acknowledged Virat's entertaining innings but stressed the need for him to play close to his T20I career strike rate of around 140 to preserve consistency.
"I feel Virat Kohli is at his best; he has scored more than 4000 runs at a strike rate of around 140, so it is good if he plays close to that. If he tries to do more than that, he will lose his consistency. If he loses his consistency, I will be slightly sad as an Indian cricket fan," said Chopra.
Virat Kohli is the highest run-getter in T20Is, accumulating 4,037 runs in 116 matches at an impressive average of 52.42 and a strike rate of 138.20. Chopra highlighted Virat's remarkable record and expressed hope that he maintains his consistent form.
1/10:2nd T20I: India seal series with dominant win over Afghanistan
AP
2/10:Yashasvi Jaiswal's explosive knock
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed 68 off 34 balls, propelling India towards victory in Indore.ANI
3/10:Shivam Dube's unbeaten 63
Shivam Dube played another crucial innings, scoring an unbeaten 63 to secure India's win.ANI
4/10:India's unbeaten home record
Top-ranked India have been unbeaten at home for 15 consecutive T20 series.TOI Sports
5/10:Axar Patel's bowling brilliance
Left-arm spinner Axar Patel led the charge with figures of 2-17 to help dismiss Afghanistan for 172.PTI
6/10:Rohit's praise for Jaiswal and Dube
Skipper Rohit Sharma commended Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube for their exceptional performances in the match.PTI
7/10:Virat Kohli's return to T20I
Virat Kohli made a comeback to T20Is, contributing 29 runs in a partnership of 57 with Jaiswal.ANI
8/10:Jaiswal and Dube's partnership
Jaiswal put on a 92-run stand with left-handed partner Dube as India chased down their victory target with 26 balls to spare.ANI
9/10:Naib's aggressive batting
Gulbadin Naib took on the Indian bowling attack in his 35-ball 57 knock laced with five fours and four sixes.PTI
10/10:Afghanistan's middle order contribution
Najibullah Zadran (23 off 21 balls), Janat (10-ball 20) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (21 off nine) boosted the Afghanistan total.ANIChopra also expressed disappointment with skipper Rohit Sharma's shot selection, emphasizing the need for him to regain his form in the upcoming IPL 2024. Despite Rohit's run-out in the last match and a golden duck in the second T20I, Chopra reiterated his confidence in Rohit's abilities.
"Run-out was not his mistake, but the shot selection was. There is no doubt about Rohit Sharma's form and ability. However, he will have to be in form in the IPL, and I feel he will bat like this only. We need 38-40, the runs he was scoring in the ODI World Cup, from his bat," concluded Aakash.
In the match against Afghanistan, India secured a six-wicket win with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube playing pivotal roles in the successful chase. India have already clinched the series with a 2-0 lead, with one game left.
(With inputs from ANI)
