Renowned commentator Aakash Chopra predicts India’s victory in Asia Cup 2023 final
Aakash Chopra confident in India’s performance if they bat first
September 17, 2023
I Have Confidence In The Batters – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra highlighted that Shubman Gill has the ability to handle spin bowling on these pitches.
- If India bat first, they will finish the match like one-way traffic
- Bowlers will restrict Sri Lanka from chasing down the target
- Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will lead the batting attack
- Gill’s performance against spin in the last match proves his capability
“If India bat first, I feel they will finish this match like one-way traffic. Whatever runs they make at the start, they won’t allow Sri Lanka to score them. I have the belief in the bowlers that they won’t allow them to score. I have confidence in the batters as well if they bat first,” Chopra said.
“Rohit Sharma likes Sri Lanka a lot and if India get to bat first, Rohit Sharma will be explosive. Shubman Gill will be there alongside him. The way Shubman Gill played spin in the last match, you can say he won’t have difficulties against these bowlers on these pitches. Although Dunith Wellalage troubled him once, he won’t be able to do it repeatedly.”
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill formed an 80-run opening partnership in just 11 overs against Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage. Danith Wellalage triggered a collapse by dismissing Gill with a brilliant delivery. Wellalage ended up with bowling figures of 5/40.
It Can Become A 60-40 Game – Aakash Chopra
The former Indian opener feels that Sri Lankan bowlers might impact the game if India bats second. However, Chopra emphasized that the game could still favor India by a 60-40 margin.
- Sri Lankan bowlers can have an impact if India bats second
- The game might become a 60-40 contest in favor of India
- Sri Lanka’s top three batsmen need to perform well for a competitive game
- India will still start as favorites if Sri Lanka bats first
“The game can change a little if India bat second. Then Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage – all of them do well. If Sri Lanka bat first after winning the toss, there is no doubt that India will start as favorites, but it can become a 60-40 game, still in favor of India. Sri Lanka do well when their top three do well, at least one or two of the top three. When Kusal Mendis played very well and Pathum Nissanka gave them a good start, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka managed it later.”
The two teams will be hoping to boost their confidence with a win in the final game ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to be played between October 5 and November 19.
Also read: IND vs SL: Aakash Chopra Believes Shubman Gill’s Knock Against Bangladesh ‘Was Better Than His Double Hundred’
