"Why are your strike rates so low?" - Aakash Chopra wants Afghanistan to play fearlessly in 2nd T20I vs India
Aakash Chopra has urged Afghanistan to bat more aggressively in the second T20I against India in Indore on Sunday, January 14.
Ibrahim Zadran and company scored 158/5 after being asked to set a target in the first T20I in Mohali on Thursday. The Men in Blue chased down the score with six wickets and 15 deliveries to spare to start the three-match series on a winning note.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra questioned Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran's approach in the first T20I, elaborating (6:45):
"Afghanistan, what are you doing? If you have so much batting, why are your strike rates so low? Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a fantastic striker but in the last match, it seemed like both he and Ibrahim Zadran were playing at a run-a-ball. It seemed like neither of them wanted to take a chance."
The former India opener noted that the visitors were timid in their approach and couldn't make the most of their batting depth. He said:
"You associate fearless, carefree, explosive and destructive cricket with Afghanistan. However, if they play timid cricket and look a little meek, it's not enjoyable. Gulbadin Naib didn't even get to bat."
Afghanistan scored only 33 runs in the powerplay overs even though they did not lose a wicket. While Zadran scored 25 runs off 22 deliveries, Gurbaz was even slower, consuming 28 balls for his 23 runs.
"If Gulbadin Naib is not going to get to bat, Noor Ahmad is sitting out, so play him" - Aakash Chopra
![Noor Ahmad has enjoyed great success for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. [P/C: Getty]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/01/73859-17052040887705-1920.jpg?w=500)
Aakash Chopra opined that Afghanistan should alternatively look to bolster their bowling by including someone like Noor Ahmad in the playing XI. He stated (7:30):
"If you have so much batting, play wholeheartedly and a little aggressive brand of cricket, or else play a bowler and drop a batter. If Gulbadin Naib is not going to get to bat, Noor Ahmad is sitting out, so play him. You have Fareed Ahmad also in bowling."
The reputed commentator added that the visitors should look to post or chase a mammoth total if they opt to go with batting depth.
"You have bowlers. So either play an extra bowler or bat so aggressively that if you get to bat first, you score 200, and if India score 200, you should chase it as well. You will have to go with that thinking as a lot of runs are scored on this ground."
Chopra reckons the team that wins the toss might want to bowl first in Indore as the ground is expected to be slightly dewy in the second innings. He added that apart from Virat Kohli's return to the side, India might look to play an additional seamer in Avesh Khan in place of a spinner.