31 July 2023, Mumbai: India and West Indies are set to clash in the crucial third and final ODI in Trinidad, with the series outcome hanging in the balance. After the visitors claimed victory in the opening game, the hosts bounced back with a six-wicket win in the second match. The absence of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the previous game led to some experimentation, and expert Aakash Chopra suggests continuing this approach if the team believes it will benefit them in the long run.
Emphasizing Experimentation: Aakash Chopra’s Take
Aakash Chopra supports the idea of providing opportunities to young and less experienced players in the series if experimentation is the chosen philosophy. He encourages the management to persist with this approach and give more game time to those who have been waiting for their chance.
Balancing Experience and Opportunities: The Dilemma for India
However, Chopra also presents an alternative perspective, emphasizing that to maximize their chances of winning the series, India might need to reintroduce veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli into the playing XI. This decision would result in someone like Sanju Samson or Suryakumar Yadav having to sit out, and Axar Patel would miss another opportunity.
Bowling Strategy: Quality over Quantity
On the bowling front, Aakash Chopra advises India to refrain from using an excessive number of bowlers, as they did in the second ODI. With four fast-bowling options available, using seven bowlers on a bowler-friendly surface might not be necessary. The focus should be on giving sufficient opportunities to the selected bowlers to make an impact.
Maximizing Bowlers’ Impact: Chopra’s Recommendation
Chopra points out that in the previous matches, some bowlers like Umran Malik and Axar Patel received limited opportunities. To optimize the use of available resources, he suggests reducing the number of bowlers and considering an extra batter for the team, especially on pitches where run-scoring is challenging, and bowlers play a crucial role.