Indian Commentator Aakash Chopra believes that Umran Malik’s usage shows that the fast bowlers are falling down the pecking order for Indian fast bowlers to make it to the World Cup team. The Men in Blue were all out for 181 runs to bat first in the Second ODI against West Indies in Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday, July 29, 2023. West Indies chased down the target and Umran Malik went wicketless and gave 27 runs in three overs. Six wickets and 80 balls short of the target. Akash Chopra was not too positive about Umran Malik being in India’s plans for the ODI World Cup later this year.
Chopra Explaining:
“If I talk about the bowling, Umran Malik again bowled only three overs. He was expensive but bowled only three overs and that too in two spells. He bowled only three overs in the first match. So it seems like they have already made up their mind that Umran Malik has fallen slightly behind in that race.”
On the other hand, Chopra said that Shardul Thakur has a chance of making it into India’s Team for the quadrangle event, Chopra saying:
“Shardul Thakur is doing himself a huge favor. He picked up three wickets. He dismissed Brandon King in the last match as well. He is doing what he can do. It is most important that you continue doing your job irrespective of what others are doing.”
The cricketer-turn-commentator was very happy that Hardik Pandya bowled a good number of overs in the second ODI. However, he was disappointed to pick up the wickets of only Shardul Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.
Also Read; Why Are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Not Playing 2nd India vs West Indies ODI?
The Player of the Match in my opinion is Shai Hope – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra singled out Shai Hope, who was also the official player of the match, as the standout performer of the game, saying;
“The Player of the Match in my opinion is Shai Hope. Of course, it was required to stop India to a manageable score earlier. Then there was a 53-run opening partnership (for the West Indies) and then Shardul Thakur picked up three quick wickets.”
Aakash Chopra praised the West Indies captain for steering his team to victory in the company of Casey Carty after being reduced to 91/4 at one stage and elaborated;
“India were right back into the game but then Shai Hope – he is a phenomenal player. In ODI cricket, he is absolutely ruling the game and played a captain’s knock here as well. Shai Hope remained unbeaten till the end. Keacy Carty, who played this match and didn’t play the last one, was there alongside him.”
Chopra also praised Shai Hope’s captaincy. He pointed out that apart from using Kyle Mayers with the new ball, he operated his bowler effectively.
