Aakash Chopra wonders what will be India’s batting approach on Day 3 of 2nd Test against South Africa

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra said it would be interesting to note India’s approach on the third day of the second Test match against South Africa. The Proteas have posted a par score of 489 runs on the board after Temba Bavuma decided to bat first.

Senuran Muthusamy scored a fine knock of 109 runs, which was his maiden Test century. Furthermore, Marco Jansen scored a quickfire knock of 93, his highest score in Test cricket. 

Meanwhile, India lost the opening Test match against South Africa by 30 runs and it is a must-win contest for the hosts as the far as the series is concerned. With the bigger goal of qualifying for the World Test Championship final, Chopra said India will need to take an aggressive approach with the bat to get a result out of the second game.

“Since the entire story is about the WTC, when you are saying that it’s the WTC cycle due to which you make such pitches where you get quick results, and it’s not only our story, but the entire world, in such a scenario, a draw will give you only four points, which is 17 percent of the total points available (from the series),” Aakash Chopra said on Star Sports.

Chopra said there isn’t much difference in points when you draw or lose and thus wants India to play aggressively.

“So, whether you get four or zero, what difference does it make in the longer run? You have to look for 50 percent points, and for that, you only have to run fast. You have to take the initiative. The overarching theme tomorrow would be, do India want to put four points at stake to gain 12?” Chopra added.

“There are 12 points for a win, zero for a loss, and you get only four for a draw. Four points may or may not decide your future. So I just want to see India’s intent. When you are bowling, how the match would progress is not in your hands many times, but when the bat is in your hand, you drive the game,” Chopra observed.

When asked if the bad light towards the end of the day’s play could impact India’s intent, Chopra answered in the negative.

“Not too much actually, because you will try to play well in whatever overs you get. Tomorrow, you won’t think about what would happen the day after. First play the day tomorrow. Assuming you lose only two or three wickets, you will score 325 to 350 runs. Then you start and say that you will take the game in your favor in the next two sessions,” he said.

India will resume the third day’s play at 9-0.