Aakash Chopra Suggests a Change in India's XI for the Second ODI, Saying "You Shouldn't Worry About Batting at No. 8"

During the second ODI encounter in Visakhapatnam, former opener Aakash Chopra advised a significant change to India's starting Lineup. Rohit Sharma, the captain, will make his ODI comeback after missing the first game of the series owing to family obligations. He will likely take Ishan Kishan's position in the starting lineup since Shubman Gill and Rohit have performed really well for India this season.

Chopra, however, believes that India should make one more adjustment to the starting lineup since he prefers Umran Malik over Shardul Thakur and wants the hosts to play with five specialist bowlers.

India shouldn't be very concerned about not having a guy who can bat at the number 8 position, the former cricketer-turned-commentator said.

Is there any possibility of a change besides Rohit Sharma replacing Ishan Kishan? Chopra said on his YouTube channel, "I always want you to play five complete bowlers where you shouldn't bother about the batting at No. 8 – you could call it correct or wrong.

Shardul Thakur is to be replaced by Umran Malik. That's how I feel, but the Indian team definitely wants a hitter at No. 8, and I can get their reasoning because occasionally the men in the top of the order go out and you may need hitting later," he said.

India took a critical 1-0 series lead over Australia with a challenging five-wicket victory. In Mumbai, Shardul only had two overs to bowl thanks to acting captain Hardik Pandya.

India must decide if they want a second batting option or a pure bowler who can keep the opposition to a low total, according to Chopra.

"Now days, 350–375 runs are even scored. Since all bowlers get struck in these circumstances, you sometimes need additional batting. This is one perspective on the situation. The other is when a talented bowler escapes with 55–60 runs in 10 overs while others are being bowled out for 80 runs. Hence, you may choose whatever way you wish to travel. The Indian team is of the opinion that Shardul should remain at No. 8. Lord always contributes, so I'm OK. He wasn't able to accomplish much since the captain didn't allow him to bowl much in the previous game. Yet, if you ask him to bowl, he will likewise provide results.