Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opened up on potential changes in India’s playing 11 for the second ODI against New Zealand. He believes that if Mohammed Siraj is fit for selection, he can replace Auqib Nabi Dar in the final XI.
Dar returned with figures of 0-33 in the six overs he bowled in the series opener at Eden Park, Auckland. Earlier, the fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir bagged expensive figures of 0-84 in 8.5 overs he bowled on his ODI debut against the West Indies.
Nitish Kumar Reddy won’t be available for selection as he has been released to play for India A to get red-ball game time under his belt.
“Nitish Kumar Reddy isn’t available for this game, but he didn’t play the last match either. So you might see the same batting lineup. There’s definitely scope for one change. Mohammed Siraj is available. Apparently, he wasn’t available in the previous match. So, guilty as charged,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“He had come after finishing the India A match and was therefore not available, although no one said anything at the toss or in the post-match interview. If he is available, there could be one or two changes. One change could be that Auqib Nabi might go out, and Siraj might come in,” he added.
On the other hand, the renowned commentator wondered if India could play Kuldeep Yadav in the team and decide to drop Gurnoor Brar, who picked three wickets in the last game.
“However, in such a scenario, will you want to play with four fast bowlers? That’s a big question that India will have to ask. Since Anshul Kamboj gives you batting at No. 8, if you are okay with it, can you play Kuldeep Yadav at No. 9? That’s the only other change I am thinking about. However, Gurnoor Brar has done very well. How will you make him sit out?” he said.
The former Delhi cricketer added that either Kuldeep Yadav or Mohammed Siraj could replace Auqib Nabi Dar.
“Otherwise, Siraj might not come in place of Auqib Nabi. Kuldeep Yadav might come in place of him. That is also a possibility. One change is almost mandatory. Auqib will go out. Who will come in his place? It could be Siraj or Kuldeep. The team has to decide which way they wish to go,” Chopra observed.
The second ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at the Hnry Stadium, Wellington, on Saturday.
