Aakash Chopra expects more game time for Jitesh in T20 World Cup wicketkeeper race

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra expects Jitesh Sharma to feature ahead of Sanju Samson in the third T20I against Afghanistan in Bengaluru. The Amravati-born cricketer had done a brilliant job in the first T20I, scoring 31 runs off 20 deliveries in Mohali but failed to open his tally in Indore. Ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, this will be India’s final game in the shortest format and with that, the team management could try a couple of things, which could see Samson making his return to the playing XI.

However, Chopra believes that Jitesh should get more opportunities in the playing XI as he is yet to cement his spot. He also added that Samson won’t be judged for just one match and mentioned that the cricketer always finds himself in a difficult spot. 

“The question is whether you should keep Jitesh or Sanju at No. 6. If Jitesh had cemented his place totally, if there hadn't been a question mark at all in front of Jitesh's name, that he is definitely going to the World Cup, you could have thought about Sanju. However, Jitesh is not confirmed yet,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“There is a flip side to that as well. Assuming you play Sanju, will you judge him with one match? It's incorrect. Whoever you try, give him three chances at least. This is what has happened with Sanju throughout his career,” the 46-year-old added.

Rohit and Kohli have to play third T20I: Chopra

India skipper Rohit Sharma failed to open his tally in the first two T20Is of the series. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, skipped the first T20I and played the second match but couldn’t capitalise on his good start. Thus, Chopra expects both cricketers to feature in the third T20I against Afghanistan. 

“Rohit hasn't scored any runs, so he has to play. Virat Kohli has played just one match, so he has to play. Yashasvi has also played just one match, so he too has to play,” Chopra said.