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Aakash Chopra's Bold Plan: Send SKY at 3 to Counter Raza's Threat

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has pinpointed off-spin as India's major weakness in the T20 World Cup, particularly against left-handed openers. He warns that Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza, with his effective bowling record, will look to exploit this vulnerability. To counter this, Chopra proposes a tactical shuffle, promoting captain Suryakumar Yadav to number three to break the left-handers' sequence and create a problematic left-right combination. India faces a do-or-die Super Eight match against Zimbabwe, needing a substantial win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Key Points: Chopra: India Must Send Suryakumar at 3 vs Zimbabwe

  • India's left-handers struggling vs off-spin
  • Sikandar Raza a key threat with 24 wickets
  • Chopra suggests Suryakumar Yadav at No. 3
  • Strategy aims to create left-right combination
  • Must-win match for India's semi-final hopes
3 min read

"To counter Raza, India should bring SKY at number three": Akash Chopra

Aakash Chopra analyzes India's off-spin woes, suggests promoting Suryakumar Yadav to counter Sikandar Raza in crucial T20 World Cup clash.

"To counter Raza, they should bring Suryakumar Yadav at number three. He is the Captain and should lead from the front. - Aakash Chopra"

New Delhi, February 26

India is set to face Zimbabwe in their do-or-die Super Eight match at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, needing a big win to improve their net run-rate, and possibly save the team from being eliminated from the tournament.

Speaking on JioHotstar, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on the off-spin challenge for India's left-handers and the method to counter Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza.

Indian opener batters have shown discomfort against off-spinners in the powerplay, and the opponents have used this in almost every match to counter-attack against the Indian batting order.

Chopra highlighted how off-spinners have become India's biggest headache in the tournament. He said, "Every delivery bowled by off-spinners to the Indian openers is slightly short, wide, and fired in. They are not giving any room. That is exactly what happened against the Netherlands, South Africa and Pakistan. Whether it was Aryan Dutt, Salman Ali Agha or Aiden Markram, everyone followed the same plan against the Indian batters, especially the left-handers."

"They have tied them down. In fact, no team has lost more wickets than India against finger spinners, especially off-spinners, in this World Cup. Off-spinners are usually considered easier bowlers to play. But in this tournament, the story has been quite painful from India's point of view," Chopra said.

Raza has taken 24 wickets at a miserly economy of 6.76 in T20Is since the start of 2025.

On how India should approach against Sikandar Raza's bowling, Chopra said, "Sikandar Raza will bowl fast and follow the left-handed batters. He will keep the ball around the stumps. He is not going to bowl slower deliveries as Markram did. That is not his plan. He does not even need to change the pace much. India have two left-handers in Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma opening the innings. To counter Raza, they should bring Suryakumar Yadav at number three. He is the Captain and should lead from the front."

"If Tilak Varma comes at three, India have two left-handers together batting after the fall of the first wicket, and this will only increase their problems. Surya at three creates the left-right combination, which can trouble Zimbabwe's bowlers. Surya is playing his fourth T20 World Cup. He is in form, needs to take charge and lead the team from the front," he concluded.

India needs a big win against Zimbabwe to stay alive in the race for the semi-finals.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally someone said it! Our left-handers have looked clueless against off-spin. It's been painful to watch. Promoting SKY is a smart tactical switch. He can disrupt the bowler's line and length. Fingers crossed for a big win tomorrow! 🤞
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I disagree with Chopra here. You don't change your settled batting order based on one bowler, even if it's Raza. Tilak Varma has earned his spot. Disrupting the lineup under pressure might backfire. Trust the players who got you here.
S
Sarah B
The analysis is spot on. The data doesn't lie - 24 wickets for Raza is no joke. In a must-win game, you need your best player to face the biggest threat. SKY has the experience and the game to counter-attack. Hope they make this change.
V
Vikram M
Yaar, this is basic cricket sense! Left-right combination is crucial. We've been out-thought in every match so far. Time for the captain to step up. SKY needs to walk in at 3 and take charge. No more timid cricket. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
It's not just about Raza. The problem is our overall approach against spin in the powerplay. We look to survive, not dominate. Maybe SKY at 3 sends the right intent. But the openers also need to work on their game. Big match, big pressure! 💥

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