IPL 2021: ‘Ishan Kishan is a better choice than Krunal Pandya at number 4 for Mumbai Indians,’ says Aakash Chopra


IPL 2021: ‘Ishan Kishan is a better choice than Krunal Pandya at number 4 for Mumbai Indians,’ says Aakash Chopra

Ishan Kishan, Aakash Chopra and Krunal Pandya

Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) dropped Ishan Kishan from their side after a series of low scores from the youngster. The Mumbai-based franchise brought Nathan Coulter-Nile as his replacement during their match against Rajasthan Royals (RR)

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The team management sent all-rounder Krunal Pandya at number four during that game. The 30-year old did a decent job with the bat as he scored 39 runs off 26 deliveries in a winning cause for his side.

However, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra still feels that Kishan is a better choice than Krunal in the middle-order for MI. He mentioned that the elder Pandya brother didn’t complete his quota of four overs as well. Krunal Pandya went off from the attack after conceding 12 runs from his only over bowled against the Royals.

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“It was certainly interesting that they dropped in the last match. They have enough bowlers but Krunal Pandya batting at No.4. Personally, I don’t like the idea. Not that I don’t like Krunal Pandya but my issue is that if you are playing him to bat at No.4, then Ishan is better.

“And if you have kept him for bowling, then you gave him just the one over. The opposition team will have left-handers here as well. Firstly, you will have Moeen Ali, then Suresh Raina, and then Jaddu and Sam Curran. So, you will not be able to bowl Krunal Pandya much here as well,” said Chopra on his YouTube Channel.

‘Bring Kishan instead of Krunal’: Chopra

Ishan Kishan

The former cricketer suggested that the five-time champions should bring Ishan Kishan back in place of Krunal Pandya. He added that this is the only change that he would like the Mumbai side to make.

“If that is the case, you should continue to play Jayant, keep the rest also the same and get Ishan Kishan instead of Krunal. Ishan looked alright in Chennai also, he was not doing that bad. Other than that, I don’t see the scope of any other change in this team,” concluded Chopra.

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