Aakash Chopra backs struggling Virat Kohli to find form vs Canada

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra is expecting runs from India captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli in their upcoming clash against Canada in Match 33 of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday, June 15. Notably, both batters haven’t been in the best of forms in the ongoing tournament opening the innings for India.

Rohit has scored 68 runs from three innings so far at an average of 34 and a strike rate of 123.63. On the other hand, Kohli is yet to find his feet in the ongoing event having scored just five runs across three innings in the tournament. With both batters coming into the game on the back of poor performances, Chopra has backed the duo to score runs in the upcoming clash.

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“I feel, if this match happens, Virat Kohli could be the Man of the Match. I am expecting runs from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s bats. In bowling, if Kuldeep Yadav plays, I am expecting at least three wickets from him. I feel Ravindra Jadeja will eventually come to the fore as well and pick up wickets,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

Further speaking ahead, the former opener also suggested one change in the playing XI with Kuldeep Yadav coming in place of Mohammad Siraj due to the turning nature of the pitch.

Chopra suggests to bring Kuldeep in place of Siraj

“There might be one change in the team. Kuldeep Yadav might come in and a fast bowler might have to sit out because the Florida pitch traditionally turns and helps the spinners. I see Kuldeep Yadav playing. Kuldeep Yadav in place of Siraj – unfortunate, I know – and that’s about it,” he added.

Siraj has been economical in the tournament so far having an economy of 6.50. However, the right-arm seamer hasn’t been able to be amongst the wickets with just one scalp to his name from three innings. The 30-year-old might be seen making way for the left-arm mystery spinner Kuldeep, who’s expected to be India’s trump card on the spin-friendly surfaces of the West Indies. Meanwhile, the Men in Blue have already qualified for the Super 8 stages of the tournament and will be eager to finish the Group Stage with another win.