"A few more overs to Akash Deep because I don't think he is playing in Kanpur" - Aakash Chopra on his expectations from Day 4 of IND vs BAN 1st Test
Aakash Chopra wants Akash Deep to be used more with the ball on the fourth day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh. He pointed out that the right-arm seamer might be playing his last game of the series as he is unlikely to be a part of the playing XI in the second Test in Kanpur.
Bangladesh, who were set a 515-run target, ended Day 3 (Saturday, September 21) at 158/4. Akash Deep, who registered figures of 2/19 in five overs in the first innings, has gone wicketless in the six overs he has bowled in the visitors' second essay so far.
During a discussion on Colors Cineplex, Aakash Chopra was asked what he is looking forward to on Day 4. He responded that he expects a five-wicket haul and a Player of the Match award for Ravichandran Ashwin and urged Rohit Sharma to give a few extra overs to Akash Deep.
"How early they (India) will be able to bowl them (Bangladesh) out, there is a lot of time left. Half the job is done, only a little is left. So they should wrap up well because gift wrapping always looks good. You need to put a good ribbon at the top. So a five-wicket haul for Ashwin," Chopra said.
"One more Player of the Match award for Ashwin, this time at home. After that, a few more overs to Akash Deep because I don't think he is playing in Kanpur. If Bumrah and Siraj play, Akash Deep will sit out. Kuldeep Yadav, the homeboy, will play," the former India opener added.
Chopra pointed out that the Bengal seamer is likely to be left out of the XI in Kanpur unless Jasprit Bumrah wants to take a break.
"So this is the last chance for Akash Deep in this series if we see it from that perspective. So give more overs to him. Whether Bumrah is resting, only he would know that. He decides, we are not going to talk about that. Apart from that, Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) should pick up a few wickets," he observed.
Ashwin, who went wicketless in Bangladesh's first innings, returned with figures of 3/63 in 15 overs in the visitors' second essay. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder played a 113-run knock in India's first innings and will be the frontrunner for the Player of the Match award, especially if he picks up a five-wicket haul.
"Fight a little" - Aakash Chopra on his expectation from Bangladesh
![Bangladesh were bowled out for 149 in their first innings. [P/C: BCCI]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/09/31650-17269274291106-1920.jpg?w=500)
In the same discussion, Aakash Chopra hoped that Bangladesh, especially Litton Das, provide greater resistance to India in their second innings.
"I like seeing Litton Das playing. So fight a little because WTC has brought the context, but if the contest is not good, we won't be able to watch Test cricket that lovingly. We won't be able to enjoy. Who likes one-sided battles? Push a little, it will be enjoyable," he reasoned.
Najmul Hossain Shanto (51*) and Shakib Al Hasan (5*) were unbeaten at the crease when the third day's play ended early due to bat light. Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are the other remaining recognized batters in the Bangladesh lineup.