Aakash Chopra noted that Virat Kohli’s poor ODI performance against New Zealand shows that even in-form batsmen can’t score a century every game.
Kohli struck 36 from 27 deliveries in the third and final ODI in Indore on Tuesday, January 24. The Indian bowlers then bowled out the Black Caps for 295 to complete an overwhelming 90-run triumph.
Chopra discussed India’s final ODI batting performance on YouTube. Kohli said:
“Virat Kohli’s bat struggled this series. Runs: 36. After the 46th hundred, it appeared he would score a century per match. That wasn’t true. It’s a gentle reminder that international cricket doesn’t allow centuries every match.”
Chopra said that the hosts failed to reach a 400-plus total after Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma’s spectacular centuries:
“The openers struck like T20 players. India scored 170-180 runs in 20 overs, solely in T20s. Both openers made 100+. I believed one player will score a double century and India would go over 400.”
Gill scored 112 off 78 balls while Rohit broke his century wait with an 85-ball 101. The opening-wicket partnership of 212 runs in 26 overs put India in a good position to achieve 400 runs.
“Ishan Kishan has missed his chances,” said Aakash Chopra:
“Ishan Kishan failed. He didn’t bat much but wasted it. KL Rahul won’t debate. KL Rahul will bat here and keep wickets. Better decision.”
Chopra thinks Suryakumar Yadav won’t make India’s full-strength ODI XI:
“Suryakumar Yadav had two runs opportunities. He scored little runs. He was out for 14 this inning. He scored a few runs in Hyderabad, but not many. He may lose his spot once the whole team is healthy.”
Kishan scored 30 runs at 15.00 in the three-match series. Suryakumar’s two hits yielded 45 runs but no significant knock.
