T20 World Cup 2024: He is India’s trump card – Aakash Chopra hails Kuldeep Yadav’s spell against Bangladesh

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra showered praise on Kuldeep Yadav after the team’s comprehensive win of 50 runs against Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua in the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup on Saturday.

While defending 197, India was able to restrict the Tigers to 146-8 in the 20 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was able to do the damage in the middle overs, returning with impressive figures of 3-19 in his quota of four overs.

Yadav plumbed a well-settled Tanzid Hasan with the wrong one and also got rid of in-form Towhid Hridoy in a similar mode of dismissal. The left-arm spinner also got the big wicket of veteran Shakib Al Hasan.

“Let’s talk about Kuldeep Yadav. He is Rohit Sharma’s favorite bowler. He always wants to keep him in his team. Since the ball has started coming slightly quicker from his hand, it’s turning left or right after pitching, and he is picking up wickets. He remains economical and takes wickets as well,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

However, the renowned commentator raised concerns over Ravindra Jadeja’s form. Jadeja struggled with his length as he bowled short and went wicketless after conceding 24 runs in the three overs he bowled.

Chopra said, “He doesn’t bowl loose balls. He is India’s trump card. I am slightly concerned about Ravindra Jadeja’s performance. I will be very honest because we haven’t seen Ravindra Jadeja’s premier avatar even once in this entire tournament. He is bowling too fast and too short, so he is unable to pick up wickets,” Chopra added.

The former Delhi player feels Axar Patel (0-26 in two overs) didn’t bowl well against the Tigers but the fast bowlers were able to deliver the goods for the team.

“Axar Patel also didn’t bowl that well in this match, but then there were the fast bowlers. Bumrah gave six runs in two overs at the start and a catch was also dropped. If Rishabh Pant had taken that catch, he would have got another wicket. Bumrah had two wickets, Arshdeep had two wickets, Hardik had one, and Kuldeep had three, and that’s it, India won this game,” Chopra added.

Chopra noted that India has all but qualified for the semifinals with this convincing win against Bangladesh.

“The ‘Q’ hasn’t been written in front of their name as of now, but you can assume that it has been put. I tell you why. When India play against Australia tomorrow, it’s great if they win, but even if they lose, the net run rate has gone so far ahead that we will be through even if it’s a three-way tie. Don’t worry about it, we are going to Guyana,” Chopra explained.

India will next take on Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Monday.