Amid heavy criticism from all quarters, the former Indian cricketer turned commentator Akash Chopra extended his support behind Rohit Sharma On his much-discussed challenge to bat first in the ongoing third Test against Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane.
The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is currently tied at 1-1 and the ongoing third Test will seal the fate of the high-drama five-match Test. series. Given its importance and history, the Indian cricket team captain shocked everyone by opting to bat first after winning the toss at The Gabba.
Aakash Chopra defends India’s brave decision in crucial Third Test
The Indian skipper made the call based on the pitch conditions and weather forecast. However, many former cricketers feel that Rohit Sharma’s call may backfire as the pitch at The Gabba will crack and make batting difficult in the latter stages of the crucial third Test.
Also Read: Glenn McGrath personal attack on Rohit Sharma over key decision in Brisbane Test
However, Aakash Chopra said that it is difficult to make the right decision whether to bat or bowl first in tough conditions, but he feels on a green pitch and cloudy skies, the natural instinct is to bowl first and Rohit Sharma got that call in Brisbane.
The cricket pundit noted that the weather and pitch at The Gabba suggested that running out would be easier and seemed a safer option, and so the touring side opted to bat against Australia first.
Tough one: Aakash Chopra challenges Rohit Sharma to bowl first at The Gabba
Aakash Chopra said on YouTube, “Tough one. Often in such conditions, you consider batting first as a bold decision because when you see the green on the pitch and the cloudy weather with the possibility of rain, everything is pointing in one direction, saying that you should win the toss. and first the pot.”
However, Chopra pointed out that such decisions sometimes backfire like in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, but there are times when a first innings can surprise everyone, as India did in Perth. He also suggested to critics that it would be unfair to criticize Rohit and the Indian cricket team for their decision to bat first given the unpredictability of the game.
The commentator further explained, “But in a scenario like this, sometimes when you decide to bat first, like India did in Perth, it works out beautifully. The second time you also decided to fight first, but it didn’t go well; it was a pink ball test. So I will not kill Rohit Sharma or the Indian team for this decision.”
Our batting didn’t fire in Adelaide and we lost the match: Aakash Chopra
He admitted that India lost the Adelaide Test because their batting didn’t do well, but he pointed out that the conditions played a big role, with the pitch helping the bowlers more on the first day and then being more batting-friendly as the game went on. advanced.
Chopra signed off by saying, “Many times when you see the pitch, first of all you feel that you are going to beat the opponent quickly because we were out in the last match. We fell short. Our shot was not fired. Conditions play a role. The first day is a lot of help, then the conditions for fighting improve.”
