'One of the best things to have happened to T20 cricket' - Aakash Chopra lauds ICC's new rule on over-rate

Former India International turned commentator Aakash Chopra is always very vocal about punishing teams who are unable to finish their overs on time. Previously, Chopra did suggest the governing body change certain rules and put an extra player inside the 30-yard circle if the bowling team was unable to complete their quota of 20 overs in time. The International Cricket Council heard his wish and changed the rules, which made a huge impact in India versus Pakistan match in Asia Cup.

Both the teams had to pull one player back in the 30-yard circle after 17 overs as they could not finish the innings on time. No captain would want that to happen, especially in the death overs, as the batters tend to hit the big shots in the final overs. However, both the teams were equally punished in the 2nd match of the Asia Cup, but it was Babar Azam and the company who had to pay a hefty price.

With 32 runs needed in the last three overs, Hardik Pandya smashed boundaries at will to help India win the match with two balls to spare. Now, if Pakistan would have been allowed to field 5 players outside the box, things could have been different. At least, that’s what the nation would want to believe but when it comes to Aakash Chopra, the 44-year-old believes that it is one of the best things to have happened in T20 cricket.

“An extra fielder inside the circle, if you don’t finish your overs in the stipulated time, is one of the best things to have happened to T20 cricket. One extra fielder derails the bowling plans in the death overs…best way to force the teams to get a move on,” said Chopra in a tweet.

An extra fielder inside the circle if you don’t finish your overs in the stipulated time is one of the best things to have happened to T20 cricket. One extra fielder derails the bowling plans in the death overs…best way to force the teams to get a move on. #IndvPak #AsiaCup

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 29, 2022

A fit Hardik Pandya is 24 carat Gold: Chopra

Hardik Pandya showed why he’s very difficult to replace in the Indian team. His blistering knock of unbeaten 33 runs and 3 wickets helped India demolish Pakistan in their very first match of the Asia Cup. With that, Hardik once again proved his mental toughness and most importantly, his ability to finish games.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra was very impressed with his performance. With him being there, India can afford to try multiple combinations and that can only help India going forward. He believes that Pandya is key in India’s fortunes in this format of the game. “A fit Hardik Pandya is 24 carat Gold. Key to India’s fortunes in this format,” tweeted the commentator after Hardik dismissed three of Pakistan’s batters in the match.