India vs South Africa: Aakash Chopra suggests change in batting position for Rishabh Pant

Almost everything went India’s way in the second T20I against South Africa on Wednesday. Right from toss till the winning runs were scored, India remained on top for most parts of the match. After the first game in Dharamshala was washed out, India beat the Proteas by seven wickets in the second to take an unassailable lead in the three-match series.

Virat Kohli’s decision to bowl first in Mohali turned out to be spot on as India restricted the Proteas for a modest 149 for 5. Deepak Chahar was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 2 for just 22 from his four overs. None of the South African batsmen managed to break the shackles and score some quick runs. Quinton de Kock did manage to score a fifty but it was not one of his typical knocks.

The left-handed batsman scored 52 from 37 balls. Debutant Temba Bavuma also scored 49 but consumed 43 balls for the same. Thus the Proteas innings never really got the impetus as they huffed and puffed to 149. The score was never going to pose a tough challenge for the hosts and Kohli’s impressive fifty further ensured it.

Rohit Sharma fell cheaply but Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan added 61 runs for the second wicket to bring the chase back on track. Kohli made sure to remain till the end, scoring an unbeaten 72 to take India home. India chased down the total by losing only three wickets and with one over remaining. The Men in Blue will now be looking to win the series in the upcoming game.

Aakash Chopra’s suggestion:

While almost everything went India’s way in the game, one thing that did not go their way was Rishabh Pant’s batting. The youngster’s awful form continued with the bat as he managed just four before being dismissed. Pant has been getting chances regularly since the World Cup but is yet to justify the faith shown in him.

And former India opener Aakash Chopra believes a change in batting position might do the trick for the wicketkeeper-batsman. Chopra took to Twitter to state that demoting Pant to number five while elevating Shreyas Iyer to number four can be a wise decision, writing: “Would’ve liked Iyer ahead of Pant. Batting at 4 suits Iyer more. Batting at 5 might work better for Pant #IndvSA”

Here is Aakash Chopra’s tweet

Would’ve liked Iyer ahead of Pant. Batting at 4 suits Iyer more. Batting at 5 might work better for Pant #IndvSA

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 18, 2019

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