“You are not going to send Sanju Samson consistently at No. 8” - Aakash Chopra opens up on constant changes in Team India’s batting order

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up about the numerous changes being made to the Indian playing XI in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 campaign. Notably, India will next take on Sri Lanka on Friday, September 26, in Dubai.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra asserted that India might make a few more changes to their XI to give chances to players who have had less game time in the ongoing competition. 

"It's an inconsequential game otherwise, but it's important from India's perspective. Will you experiment more, as we are doing so open-heartedly? A turmoil is being seen in the XI. However, will anyone outside the XI also be seen? That's the big question," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

"Will Jitesh Sharma or Rinku be seen? Will Arshdeep get a chance? These are the bigger questions. Will they continue with Bumrah or rest him? Why are you creating turmoil? Continue playing the same team as it's going well. Don't change too much because the next game is the final," Chopra observed.

Furthermore, Chopra felt that India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, shouldn’t make some uneven batting order changes like they made in the game against Bangladesh. Interestingly, finisher Shivam Dube was promoted to No.3, while Sanju Samson didn’t get a chance to bat till No. 8.

"If you wish, change before the game. Play Arshdeep, Rinku and Jitesh if you wish. Whatever you want to do, do it before the game. Experiments are helpful if you gain something from them and are able to stick with them. You cannot stick with whatever you are trying to do. You are not going to send Sanju Samson consistently at No. 8," he said.

"You are not going to send Shivam Dube at No. 3. You are not going to keep Tilak Varma at No. 6. Roles are very important in T20s. Selection happens based on roles. If someone is good at a position, they should remain there only for as long as possible, because if someone gets a new role, they take time to understand, and you lose the momentum and game in those three to four overs," he conclude

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