'He will go': Ex-India opener sends 'Yuzi Chahal' warning over baffling decision by Hardik

Having achieved success in the Test and ODI series against the West Indies, India suffered a humiliating setback as they surrendered the five-match T20I series by a score of 2-3. The West Indies demonstrated impressive bowling skills and composed batting displays, securing an 8-wicket victory in Florida to claim the series triumph. After the match, the Indian team received a lot of criticism from fans and experts. 

3 things you need to know

• This is India's first T20I series loss against West India since 2016
• India came from behind to level the series but lost the final T20I
• Aakash Chopra slammed Pandya for mismanaging Chahal

Also Read: 'Losing To A Lower-ranked Team': Irfan Pathan's Message To BCCI Over India's Performance

Aakash Chopra lambasts Hardik Pandya

Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about Hardik Pandya's decision to use Yuzvendra Chahal outside of his comfort zone during the T20I series between India and the West Indies. In the crucial fifth T20I match held in Lauderhill, Florida on August 13, the Indian team set a target of 166 runs for the West Indies. Yuzvendra Chahal bowled an over during the powerplay but failed to take any wickets and conceded 51 runs in his four overs. This contributed to the West Indies achieving an eight-wicket victory with two overs to spare.

A video posted on Aakash Chopra's YouTube channel showcased his criticism of Hardik Pandya's decision to deploy Yuzvendra Chahal in the powerplay once again. Chopra used an analogy to illustrate his point.

"Yuzi Chahal once again bowled an over in the powerplay. You can say that Yuzi Chahal is senior and should bowl in the powerplay but he can't do that. Don't judge a fish on his ability to climb a tree. A fish's job is to swim, someone else has the job to climb a tree," Chopra said. 

"So if the fish is unable to climb the tree, why are you judging him? That's what is happening. You get Yuzi Chahal to bowl his first over in the powerplay which goes for 12-15 runs. Then the bowler ends up looking to improve his analysis. Then he doesn't flight the ball," he added. 

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran Tells Hardik Pandya To 'shut His Mouth' After West Indies Beat India-WATCH

Chopra on Chahal's performance

Chopra highlighted that when Chahal's performance in the powerplay overs is subpar, he tends to adopt a defensive approach. Chopra emphasized that a leg-spinner's effectiveness heavily relies on how the captain deploys them.

"He used to come and pick up wickets in the 17th or 18th over but you are not giving him those overs. Leg-spinners are captain's bowlers. So if the captain gets them to bowl at the right stage, their stature grows, and if not, their stature falls drastically," Chopra said. 

"It's a catch-22 situation. You want Kulcha to play together, but if you don't use Kul-Cha properly, Kul will remain but Cha will go. Kul is bowling very well. Kul will play both ODIs and T20Is but it will become difficult for Cha and it is only because he is not being used properly," he concluded. 

Image: Twitter/BCCI/FanCode