Whom should Kohli replace for 2nd England ODI? Chopra opines
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer, Aakash Chopra, has ignited a debate on who should make way for Virat Kohli in the second ODI against England.
The discussion was started on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra,' where he asked the team's plan for the upcoming match at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
This comes after Kohli missed the series opener due to injury but is now fit to play.
Team strategy
Chopra questions team's strategy for Kohli's return
Chopra shared his opinion on the team's strategy, saying, "Kohli fit, Kohli in, but who goes out? That's the big question because if Kohli had been fit in the last match, Shreyas Iyer wouldn't have played."
He went on to add that it means the team first intended to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma.
Meanwhile, this has left Shubman Gill's position and plans in the air.
Fitness record
Chopra highlights Kohli's rare absences due to injuries
Chopra emphasized that it is rare for Kohli to miss matches due to fitness concerns.
He said, "Virat Kohli not playing in the last match hurt you a little as he never misses matches because of fitness. He is very rarely unfit."
This observation highlights how important Kohli's return is and how it can affect the team.
Replacement suggestion
Chopra suggests Kohli should replace Jaiswal
In his video, Chopra suggested Kohli should replace Jaiswal in the next match.
He said, "A very easy way is to leave out Yashasvi, send Gill at the top, and keep Virat Kohli at No. 3. All is well. I am saying that should happen as well."
However, he also wondered if this would be in line with the team's philosophy of having a left-right opening combination.
Philosophy debate
Chopra questions team's philosophy amid player performances
Further, Chopra questioned the team's philosophy considering individual player performances.
He asked, "Will your philosophy change just because a player (Shreyas) scored runs in one match?"
He implied that if the initial plan was to replace Iyer with Kohi, then Iyer should be dropped, logically. But he questioned this decision considering Iyer's phenomenal performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup.