Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opined that India should look to add another 180 runs in 40 overs on the fourth day of the opening Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle before declaring their innings. However, Chopra believes India could also lose with this attacking approach.

India were able to get a healthy first-innings lead of 178 runs after Sri Lanka was bowled out for 284. The visitors had posted a par score of 462 runs in the first innings after Devdutt Padikkal’s fine knock of 167.

India is currently 82-3 after 21 overs in the second innings, with Devdutt Padikkal and Rishabh Pant at the crease, and they are leading by 260.

“Add 178 more to 178 and reach 350. Even if you play at an average of five, it will take you 40 overs to score 200, and there are huge chances of rain. So you will have to move really quickly. You will have to play slightly aggressively. Yashasvi, play like Yashasvi. KL Rahul, you have many gears. Activate the T20 and ODI gear this time,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“There is a lot of depth in the batting. Just keep moving faster. I am giving India about 40-odd overs. Score around 150 to 175 runs and declare. Bite the bullet. I know if 50 overs happen and 90 overs of the last day also happen, we can actually end up on the losing side in 140 overs,” he added.

The renowned commentator reckons rain could spoil India’s chances of winning if they delay their declaration.

“If the full match happens and we are unable to bowl them out, they will have the time to score 350 runs. However, we will be left rubbing our hands if we bat for too long and a session gets spoilt due to rain. It is going to be a tough one, but that’s the bullet that India must bite,” he observed.

India would look to get all 12 WTC points out of the first Test against Sri Lanka.