India galloped to a six-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first ODI to take a 1-0 lead in Ahmedabad’s three-match streak. With Covid cases in the Indian camp for the series, there were a few new faces in India playing XI. Ishan Kishan got another chance to show his worth in the colors of India, while Deepak Hooda made his international debut, with former captain Virat Kohli handing him his India cap. Hooda got off to an impressive start at the top level, scoring an unbeaten 26 out of 32 as India chased the 177-run goal without much fuss.
However, Hooda, who has 35 wickets in 75 List A matches, didn’t get a chance to showcase his bowling skills on a pitch assisting spinners.
That seemed to annoy former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, who took to Twitter to express his feelings on the matter.
Chopra cited the example of another of India’s recent ODI debutants, Venkatesh Iyer, to attack Indian team management.
“Venkatesh Iyer earlier. Hooda today. It’s a bit impossible to create all-rounders if they can’t bowl… Or… maybe selectors choose players as all-rounders, but team management has little or no confidence in their bowling abilities,” Chopra wrote on Twitter.
Venkatesh Iyer before. Hood today. It’s almost impossible to create all-rounders if they can’t bowl… Or… maybe selectors choose players as all-rounders, but team management has little or no confidence in their bowling abilities. #IndvWI
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 6, 2022
A fan was not happy with Chopra’s tweet and asked the ex-cricketer to “stop spreading negativity”.
Do you ever have something positive to say? Today there was no need for the 6th bowler. No wonder you only played a few games. Come on. Stop spreading negativity.
— Vishaal Dutta (@visdutta) February 6, 2022
However, Aakash Chopra had the last word and came up with an epic answer.
The best time to try new options is when there is little or no pressure. In this way you prepare them for the tough assignments. You don’t throw people in at the deep end on their first day of work. No wonder…let it be https://t.co/lghwKacujN
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 6, 2022
Venkatesh Iyer, who made his debut in the first ODI of the three-game series in South Africa, threw only five overs in the two games he played during the tour. On his ODI debut, he didn’t get a single pitch.
Iyer was then not part of the playing XI in the third and final ODI in Cape Town.
promoted
On Sunday, Hooda also didn’t get a chance to turn his arm during his ODI debut with Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar impressing. Chahal took four wickets and Sundar for three West Indian wickets as the visitors were 176 in 43.5 overs.
The second ODI of the series is scheduled for Wednesday.
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