“Too many runs haven't been scored” - Aakash Chopra predicts key changes in India’s playing XI

Former Indian opening batter and commentator Aakash Chopra has shared his views on India’s key changes in playing XI against their arch-rivals, Pakistan, as they will clash against each other on Sunday, in Colombo.

Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, Chopra went on to assert that the all-rounder Washington Sundar would replace finisher Rinku Singh, who didn’t put up key performances in the last 10-12 T20Is.

"I am thinking Washington Sundar in place of Rinku. You might ask, why? I am thinking that the number at which Rinku is batting, Rinku gets to bat in only two circumstances. Either you are 50/4, then Rinku needs to come, or the last eight or ten balls are left, and Rinku needs to come there," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

"Rinku's performance in the last 10-12 matches hasn't been that great. Too many runs haven't been scored. Washington Sundar brings as much batting and the four overs of bowling will become extremely crucial because the opposing team might think about playing Fakhar Zaman as well," he added.

Additionally, the former cricketer went on to disclose the reason behind having Sundar, stating that Pakistan has multiple left-handed batters in their top and middle-order, and Sundar could play a key role in taking their wickets. 

Moreover, Chopra also reckoned that Kuldeep Yadav would replace Arshdeep Singh as the Colombo surface assists spinners comparatively. Interestingly, Pakistan have been playing all of their games in Colombo while this would be India’s first game in Sri Lanka.

"You will get Saim Ayub at the start and Mohammad Nawaz in the middle. There are left-handers in that batting order. Fakhar can come and Faheem Ashraf will also be there later. When you have so many left-handers, the off-spinner's role can increase," Chopra observed.

"The other change I am seeing is Kuldeep Yadav in place of Arshdeep Singh. So one Deep will remain, but that will be the left-arm leg-break one because you will need spin on this ground," he concluded.

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