NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed his thoughts on the eagerly awaited T20 series between India and England, which kicks off on Wednesday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Speaking on Star Sports’ Game Plan, Chopra shared his predictions for the series, emphasising the likelihood of high-scoring games due to the T20 format and the potential influence of dew in evening matches.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
“Let’s prepare for the run-fest. Because a lot of runs will be made. See, it’s a T20 format. In many places, there might be a role of dew because it’s still cold in many places; you might see dew in the evening. It’s possible that the team that will chase later will feel a little easier to chase because in T20’s it happens anyway. But if dew comes, then it becomes even easier. So, from east to west, I think, batting will be at its best. It’ll be fun. There’ll be a lot of beating for the bowlers,” Chopra said, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
He described the series as a “heavy-weight clash,” highlighting the strength of both teams’ batting lineups. “It’s going to be a bat-vs-bat contest. Because batting is a heavy-weight on both sides. If we look at the clash, it’s not a light-weight clash. It’s a heavy-weight clash, in which, if you hit a six, the other team can hit two. And it’s possible that if the pitch is right, both innings will be equal. The tempo can be set with the first match, and the other team will also look at it from the same perspective. You’re also playing elevens. You’re also worried about batting. That’s why you play two-three proper bowlers; the rest are all-rounders. So, when both teams play the same type of cricket, almost a similar brand of cricket, then there should be a good clash. In my opinion, there should be a lot of runs.”
Reflecting on the recent challenges faced by Team India, Chopra emphasised the importance of staying humble and grounded. “In the past six months, if there is anything we have learned, it is that we have to work hard. We can’t do without it. We never lost to Sri Lanka for 27 years. But we lost. We’ve never lost to New Zealand in our lives. For the first time, we lost a series 3-0 in a team match. So, one thing I’ve understood is that it’s good to be humble. It’s good to stay grounded. And whatever you do on the field, it is considered the same. So, I’m not going to take this series lightly,” he remarked.
With both teams boasting formidable batting lineups and adopting aggressive strategies, Chopra anticipates an enthralling series filled with thrilling moments, with the potential for the first match to set the tone for an exciting contest ahead.
