Former India opener Akash Chopra has said that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will be dropped from the side if he doesn't score more runs. The statement comes after Samson scored a 19-ball 29 in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday (Oct 6).

"He is good. He scored 29 runs. My only thing was that since he had reached here, he should go slightly further ahead. He should score a few more runs because, otherwise, they would drop him. He keeps moving in and out (of the side), and up and down (the batting order)," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/only-if-we-apply-our-brains-yuvraj-slams-his-disciple-abhishek-sharma-after-flop-show-in-gwalior-t20i-765584">Only if we apply our brains: Yuvraj SLAMS his disciple Abhishek Sharma after flop show in Gwalior T20I</a>

Chopra, however, praised Samson for being fluent with the bat in the first match of the three-T20I series and pointed out that he was looking for timing rather than hitting the ball hard.

"You need to talk about Sanju Samson. Abhishek Sharma was playing amazingly well until he was there but he got run out. But how well did Sanju play. Gautam Gambhir said long back that if Sanju Samson doesn't play for India, it's India's loss. He was made to open. The silken touch was seen. He wasn't hitting the ball hard. It seemed like he didn't want to hurt the ball, and he was hitting one four after another. When everyone was hitting, he also hit but by caressing the ball. You were getting hit, you were bleeding but you were not feeling the pain," the former India cricketer added.

Samson has been in and out of the side for long now and has been able to play only 31 T20Is since making his debut in the shortest format back in 2015.

In the matches he has played, Samson has been able to score only 473 runs at an average of 19.70 and a strike rate of 132 with just two fifties to his name.

Former India opener Akash Chopra has said that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will be dropped from the side if he doesn't score more runs. The statement comes after Samson scored a 19-ball 29 in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday (Oct 6).

Former India opener Akash Chopra has said that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will be dropped from the side if he doesn't score more runs. The statement comes after Samson scored a 19-ball 29 in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday (Oct 6). "He is good. He scored 29 runs. My only thing was that since he had reached here, he should go slightly further ahead. He should score a few more runs because, otherwise, they would drop him. He keeps moving in and out (of the side), and up and down (the batting order)," said Chopra on his YouTube channel. Also Read: Only if we apply our brains: Yuvraj SLAMS his disciple Abhishek Sharma after flop show in Gwalior T20I Chopra, however, praised Samson for being fluent with the bat in the first match of the three-T20I series and pointed out that he was looking for timing rather than hitting the ball hard. "You need to talk about Sanju Samson. Abhishek Sharma was playing amazingly well until he was there but he got run out. But how well did Sanju play. Gautam Gambhir said long back that if Sanju Samson doesn't play for India, it's India's loss. He was made to open. The silken touch was seen. He wasn't hitting the ball hard. It seemed like he didn't want to hurt the ball, and he was hitting one four after another. When everyone was hitting, he also hit but by caressing the ball. You were getting hit, you were bleeding but you were not feeling the pain," the former India cricketer added. Samson has been in and out of the side for long now and has been able to play only 31 T20Is since making his debut in the shortest format back in 2015. In the matches he has played, Samson has been able to score only 473 runs at an average of 19.70 and a strike rate of 132 with just two fifties to his name.

'Would drop him...,' former India batter Akash Chopra's warning Sanju Samson after Gwalior T20I vs Bangladesh

Former India batter Aakash Chopra and Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi blasted Pakistan for its 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test on Sunday (Aug 25). This is Pakistan's first ever 10-wicket loss at home in Tests, while it was also Bangladesh's first red-ball victory over the regional opponents.

Chopra highlighted Pakistan's decision to declare at nearly 450 in the first inning, after which they conceded a substantial lead, thanks to Mushifqur Rahim's 191 for Bangladesh.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pak-vs-ban-1st-test-shakib-throws-ball-at-rizwan-in-anger-gets-scolded-by-umpire-watch-753212">PAK vs BAN, 1st Test: Shakib throws ball at Rizwan in anger, gets scolded by umpire</a>

"Not many teams go to lose a Test match after declaring their first innings with 400+ runs and 4 wickets to spare. At Home. Pakistan cricket is a gift that keeps giving," Chopra wrote on X.

Afridi, on the other hand, went one step up and criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for failing to make a pitch to assist the all-pace attack.

“A 10-wicket defeat raises serious questions about the decision to prepare this type of pitch, select four fast bowlers and leave out a specialist spinner. This to me clearly shows a lack of awareness about home conditions,” wrote Afridi on X.

The former Pakistan all-rounder, however, congratulated Bangladesh for the brilliant display of cricket.

“That said, you cannot take the credit away from Bangladesh for the brand of cricket they played throughout the Test,” he added.

Skipper Masood did acknowledge the all-pace attack factor but sided with assistant coach Azhar Mahmud on pitch behaviour and said: "I mean, never to make it an excuse, but, uh, It didn't play the way we thought it would."&nbsp;

Pakistan were bowled out for 146 in the second innings after conceding a lead of 117 runs in the first one. Bangladesh were left with a small target of 30 runs which they achieved in just six and a half overs without losing a wicket.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra and Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi blasted Pakistan for its 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test on Sunday (Aug 25).

Former India batter Aakash Chopra and Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi blasted Pakistan for its 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test on Sunday (Aug 25). This is Pakistan's first ever 10-wicket loss at home in Tests, while it was also Bangladesh's first red-ball victory over the regional opponents. Chopra highlighted Pakistan's decision to declare at nearly 450 in the first inning, after which they conceded a substantial lead, thanks to Mushifqur Rahim's 191 for Bangladesh. Also Watch: PAK vs BAN, 1st Test: Shakib throws ball at Rizwan in anger, gets scolded by umpire "Not many teams go to lose a Test match after declaring their first innings with 400+ runs and 4 wickets to spare. At Home. Pakistan cricket is a gift that keeps giving," Chopra wrote on X. Afridi, on the other hand, went one step up and criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for failing to make a pitch to assist the all-pace attack. “A 10-wicket defeat raises serious questions about the decision to prepare this type of pitch, select four fast bowlers and leave out a specialist spinner. This to me clearly shows a lack of awareness about home conditions,” wrote Afridi on X. The former Pakistan all-rounder, however, congratulated Bangladesh for the brilliant display of cricket. “That said, you cannot take the credit away from Bangladesh for the brand of cricket they played throughout the Test,” he added. Skipper Masood did acknowledge the all-pace attack factor but sided with assistant coach Azhar Mahmud on pitch behaviour and said: "I mean, never to make it an excuse, but, uh, It didn't play the way we thought it would." Pakistan were bowled out for 146 in the second innings after conceding a lead of 117 runs in the first one. Bangladesh were left with a small target of 30 runs which they achieved in just six and a half overs without losing a wicket.

'Go to lose a Test...,' Aakash Chopra, Shahid Afridi hit out at Pakistan for 10-wicket loss vs Bangladesh

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has termed the exclusion of fast bowler Avesh Khan from India's squad for last three Tests against England as 'harsh'. Avesh was part of the squad for the first two Tests but didn't get a chance to play in either Hyderabad or Vizag. Bengal pacer Akash Deep has been included instead in the 17-member team for the remainder of the five-match series.

Speaking on his YouTube channel after the squad announcement on Saturday (Feb 10), Chopra opined: "Akash Deep has come. So the question is where did Avesh go because Avesh Khan was a part of this team. I saw him bowling with full effort in Vizag. Now suddenly he is not part of this Test team. So it is slightly surprising.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="Glenn Maxwell’s record T20I ton seals series win for Australia against West Indies in Adelaide">Glenn Maxwell’s record T20I ton seals series win for Australia against West Indies in Adelaide</a>

"It's been heard that the team management has liked Akash Deep a lot because of how he bowled in the nets. He has done well for India A. So very happy for him but Avesh didn't do anything wrong," Chopra added.

Apart from Avesh, batter Shreyas Iyer has also been dropped from the squad after failing to score well in the first two Tests. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), meanwhile, has included KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja.

While both Rahul and Jadeja did play in the first Test, but were sidelined for the second Test in Vizag due to injuries. Both the players, however, will take part in remainder of the series subject to their fitness.

The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1 with the third Test set to begin on February 15 in Rajkot.

India Squad for last three Tests vs England: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep&nbsp;

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has termed the exclusion of fast bowler Avesh Khan from India's squad for last three Tests against England as 'harsh'. Avesh was part of the squad for the first two Tests but didn't get a chance to play in either Hyderabad or Vizag.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has termed the exclusion of fast bowler Avesh Khan from India's squad for last three Tests against England as 'harsh'. Avesh was part of the squad for the first two Tests but didn't get a chance to play in either Hyderabad or Vizag. Bengal pacer Akash Deep has been included instead in the 17-member team for the remainder of the five-match series. Speaking on his YouTube channel after the squad announcement on Saturday (Feb 10), Chopra opined: "Akash Deep has come. So the question is where did Avesh go because Avesh Khan was a part of this team. I saw him bowling with full effort in Vizag. Now suddenly he is not part of this Test team. So it is slightly surprising.” Also Read: Glenn Maxwell’s record T20I ton seals series win for Australia against West Indies in Adelaide "It's been heard that the team management has liked Akash Deep a lot because of how he bowled in the nets. He has done well for India A. So very happy for him but Avesh didn't do anything wrong," Chopra added. Apart from Avesh, batter Shreyas Iyer has also been dropped from the squad after failing to score well in the first two Tests. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), meanwhile, has included KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. While both Rahul and Jadeja did play in the first Test, but were sidelined for the second Test in Vizag due to injuries. Both the players, however, will take part in remainder of the series subject to their fitness. The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1 with the third Test set to begin on February 15 in Rajkot. India Squad for last three Tests vs England: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep

Former India batter Akash Chopra terms Avesh Khan’s exclusion from India squad for England Tests as ‘harsh’

Former India opening batsman Aakash Chopra thinks that Suryakumr Ydav has to score runs as India's batting revolves around him in the ongoing series against West Indies. India have the lost the first T20I by four runs during which Surya score run-a-ball 21.

The batsman, who was promoted to no. 3 as Virat Kohli was rested, has been touted as lynchpin of the India batting at the ongoing five-match series by Chopra.&nbsp;

"SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) at No. 3 - you shouldn't read too much into one match. You shouldn't nitpick too much. This is the format that he absolutely loves. He looks better if the ball comes onto the bat, which might happen in Guyana because it won't be a used surface. However, Suryakumar Yadav will have to score runs because, although Tilak Varma has made an amazing start, he is this team's linchpin. India's batting revolves around him in T20Is. So he needs to score runs," Chopra said while talking on his YouTube channel.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-india-opener-wasim-jaffer-wants-ishan-kishan-replaced-with-this-player-in-t20is-622792">Former India opener Wasim Jaffer wants Ishan Kishan replaced with THIS player in T20Is</a>

Suryakumar is going through a bit of a lean form ever since his three consecutive ducks against Australia during the three-match ODI series in March earlier this year. The T20 star had a brilliant IPL 2023 afterwards as he scored 605 runs for Mumbai Indians in 16 games at an average of 43 and a strike rate of 181.&nbsp;

During the ODI leg of West Indies tour, Yadav, however could not perform to the best of his abilities as he managed scores of 19, 24 and 35 in the three-match series. The selectors, nonetheless, have shown faith in the batsman and even appointed him deputy to stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya for the T20I series against Windies.

With India being one match down in the series, they'd look to win the second T20I to level the series. The second T20 is set to be played on August 6 at the same venue as the first one, that is, Brian Lara Stadium in Providence.

Former India opening batsman Aakash Chopra thinks that Suryakumr Ydav has to score runs as India's batting revolves around him in the ongoing series against West Indies.

Former India opening batsman Aakash Chopra thinks that Suryakumr Ydav has to score runs as India's batting revolves around him in the ongoing series against West Indies. India have the lost the first T20I by four runs during which Surya score run-a-ball 21. The batsman, who was promoted to no. 3 as Virat Kohli was rested, has been touted as lynchpin of the India batting at the ongoing five-match series by Chopra. "SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) at No. 3 - you shouldn't read too much into one match. You shouldn't nitpick too much. This is the format that he absolutely loves. He looks better if the ball comes onto the bat, which might happen in Guyana because it won't be a used surface. However, Suryakumar Yadav will have to score runs because, although Tilak Varma has made an amazing start, he is this team's linchpin. India's batting revolves around him in T20Is. So he needs to score runs," Chopra said while talking on his YouTube channel. Also Read: Former India opener Wasim Jaffer wants Ishan Kishan replaced with THIS player in T20Is Suryakumar is going through a bit of a lean form ever since his three consecutive ducks against Australia during the three-match ODI series in March earlier this year. The T20 star had a brilliant IPL 2023 afterwards as he scored 605 runs for Mumbai Indians in 16 games at an average of 43 and a strike rate of 181. During the ODI leg of West Indies tour, Yadav, however could not perform to the best of his abilities as he managed scores of 19, 24 and 35 in the three-match series. The selectors, nonetheless, have shown faith in the batsman and even appointed him deputy to stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya for the T20I series against Windies. With India being one match down in the series, they'd look to win the second T20I to level the series. The second T20 is set to be played on August 6 at the same venue as the first one, that is, Brian Lara Stadium in Providence.

India vs WI: 'Suryakumar Yadav will have to...,' Aakash Chopra puts SKY in hotspot ahead of 2nd T20I

Former India cricketer Akash Chopra has lauded selectors for appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the vice-captain of India for the T20I series against West Indies. The Indian cricket team is now in Barbados for the two-match Test series against West Indies. On Wednesday, the 15-member squad for the T20 series was also announced. In the absence of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya will lead the T20I team against West Indies and Suryakumar Yadav will be his deputy. Supporting this decision, Akash Chopra said Suryakumar Yadav comes “with a lot of cricketing experience”.

Akash Chopra said, “Giving him the vice-captaincy is right because of the way he has performed. It's not just the seniority in the side but he has&nbsp;come with a lot of cricketing experience. He has been a late bloomer slightly but vice-captain, I think a very good choice.”

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-police-raid-psg-boss-nasser-al-khelaifi-over-lobbyists-torture-claims-612621">French police raid PSG boss Nasser Al-Khelaifi over lobbyist's torture claims</a>

<h2>Some maiden T20I call-ups</h2>

Team India has been announced for the T20 series against West Indies. Hardik Pandya will lead the T20 team, while Suryakumar Yadav will be his deputy. IPL superstars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Verma have been given their maiden T20 call-ups. However, KKR’s Rinku Singh is not part of the Indian squad this time. Senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been rested.

India Squad for IND vs WI T20: Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Verma, Surya Kumar Yadav (vc), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (c), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar.

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India's T20I squad: Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Surya Kumar Yadav (VC), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (C), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1676612464849584129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/feels-like-hardik-pandya-will-lead-team-india-in-2024-t20-world-cup-as-well-says-former-indian-opener-612546">Feels like Hardik Pandya will lead Team India in 2024 T20 World Cup as well, says former Indian opener</a>

<h2>Selection committee to be headed by Ajit Agarkar</h2>

Some changes have also happened in the selection committee. Chetan Sharma was replaced by former India cricketer Ajit Agarkar as the chief selector. And this is the first team selected by the selection committee headed by Agarkar.

Apart from Test matches, the Indian team will also play an ODI and T20 series in the West Indies. India's tour of the West Indies will see both teams locking horns in two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is. The first match of the India-West Indies Test series will be played in Dominica from July 12.

Former India cricketer Akash Chopra has lauded selectors for appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the vice-captain of India for the T20I series against West Indies. The Indian cricket team is now in Barbados for the two-match Test series against West Indies.

Former India cricketer Akash Chopra has lauded selectors for appointing Suryakumar Yadav as the vice-captain of India for the T20I series against West Indies. The Indian cricket team is now in Barbados for the two-match Test series against West Indies. On Wednesday, the 15-member squad for the T20 series was also announced. In the absence of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya will lead the T20I team against West Indies and Suryakumar Yadav will be his deputy. Supporting this decision, Akash Chopra said Suryakumar Yadav comes “with a lot of cricketing experience”. Akash Chopra said, “Giving him the vice-captaincy is right because of the way he has performed. It's not just the seniority in the side but he has come with a lot of cricketing experience. He has been a late bloomer slightly but vice-captain, I think a very good choice.” Also read: French police raid PSG boss Nasser Al-Khelaifi over lobbyist's torture claims Some maiden T20I call-ups Team India has been announced for the T20 series against West Indies. Hardik Pandya will lead the T20 team, while Suryakumar Yadav will be his deputy. IPL superstars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Verma have been given their maiden T20 call-ups. However, KKR’s Rinku Singh is not part of the Indian squad this time. Senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been rested. India Squad for IND vs WI T20: Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Verma, Surya Kumar Yadav (vc), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (c), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, and Mukesh Kumar. India's T20I squad: Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Surya Kumar Yadav (VC), Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya (C), Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar. — BCCI (@BCCI) July 5, 2023 × Also read: Feels like Hardik Pandya will lead Team India in 2024 T20 World Cup as well, says former Indian opener Selection committee to be headed by Ajit Agarkar Some changes have also happened in the selection committee. Chetan Sharma was replaced by former India cricketer Ajit Agarkar as the chief selector. And this is the first team selected by the selection committee headed by Agarkar. Apart from Test matches, the Indian team will also play an ODI and T20 series in the West Indies. India's tour of the West Indies will see both teams locking horns in two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is. The first match of the India-West Indies Test series will be played in Dominica from July 12.

Suryakumar Yadav’s appointment as vice-captain praised by Akash Chopra

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'Would drop him...,' former India batter Akash Chopra's warning Sanju Samson after Gwalior T20I vs Bangladesh

'Go to lose a Test...,' Aakash Chopra, Shahid Afridi hit out at Pakistan for 10-wicket loss vs Bangladesh

Former India batter Akash Chopra terms Avesh Khan’s exclusion from India squad for England Tests as ‘harsh’

India vs WI: 'Suryakumar Yadav will have to...,' Aakash Chopra puts SKY in hotspot ahead of 2nd T20I

Suryakumar Yadav’s appointment as vice-captain praised by Akash Chopra