Team India pacer Mohammed Shami registered career-best ODI figures of 5/51 within the first one-dayer in opposition to Australia in Mohali on Friday, September 22. However, former batter Aakash Chopra reckons that the Men in Blue nonetheless gained’t play Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah collectively within the 2023 World Cup resulting from their obsession with the No. 8 place.

India most popular Siraj, Bumrah and all-rounder Hardik Pandya as their three pace-bowling choices within the Asia Cup, with Shardul Thakur batting at No. 8 in among the video games. Shami made a comeback to the taking part in XI for the Mohali ODI as Siraj was rested.

Although Thakur went for 78 runs in his 10 overs, Chopra reckons that the Men in Blue are unlikely to shun the No. 8 experiment for an additional pacer within the World Cup. Speaking on his YouTube channel [2:15], he commented:

“Shami grabbed the limelight on a road-like flat pitch. The supply that bought Steve Smith out was the ball of the match. It was a extremely good supply. The debate was over what India wanted – runs from the batter at No. 8 or wickets from Shami. But I nonetheless really feel India gained’t play Shami, Siraj and Bumrah collectively.

“I really feel they are nonetheless obsessed with the No. 8 place and that’s why they gained’t go in with these three quick bowlers collectively. The third pacer is more likely to be Shardul and the third spinner if wanted may very well be Axar or Ashwin. But nonetheless, Shami was sensational,” he added.

While Shami claimed a memorable five-wicket haul, Ravichandran Ashwin registered figures of 1/47 on his ODI comeback. Ravindra Jadeja and Bumrah additionally chipped in with a wicket every.

“India want to enhance their fielding and catching” – Aakash Chopra

Even although India eased to victory within the first ODI in opposition to Australia, Chopra opined [10:10] that their poor fielding within the match is a trigger for concern. Shreyas Iyer dropped a sitter early within the match, whereas KL Rahul missed a easy stumping and likewise fumbled a couple of balls behind the stumps. Chopra concluded:

“KL Rahul captained nicely. Thakur was costly, nonetheless India had been in a position to prohibit the opposition. He made the appropriate bowling modifications. Wicket-keeping was 50-50. Shreyas additionally dropped a catch. India want to enhance their fielding and catching. If they don’t do it, they’ll get discovered someplace.”