WI vs IND: Axar Patel should be utilised better by Hardik Pandya in T20Is, says Aakash Chopra

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised questions over skipper Hardik Pandya's decision to not give Axar Patel a single over in the second T20I against the West Indies. Chopra criticized the strategy of not utilizing the left-arm spinner against left-handed batters.

"See, the question is big and is tempting also because if Ishan (Kishan) plays, he plays as the wicketkeeper-batter and is a left-hander. Also, you have Yashasvi who is a left-hander and can open, and you also have Sanju (Samson) as a keeper, who is available for selection. There is a thought, but I will still say that if you have given someone a chance to play, you should give them three matches at least so that you can arrive at a decision. I feel for one more match, I will not change the opening pair of Ishan and Shubman Gill," JioCinema expert Aakash Chopra said.

Slow pitches in the Caribbean did not help India's cause, and Chopra believes that India should have scored more runs in the powerplay overs.

"In the first six overs, it's important to capitalise. But it is only possible if you have wickets in hand. It's not like India lose a wicket early on. They are playing the first two overs cautiously," explained Chopra.

"But if you divide the powerplay into two halves, in the second half of the powerplay you need to accelerate. If you get 10 runs per over, you suddenly find yourself at 50/1. But the current scenario seems different where you lose two wickets for 36-37 runs. So, we are neither here nor there, so we do have problems. Now, that Shubham and Ishan have played two matches they need to show more intent. But they also need to keep in mind which bowler to target," he added.

Chopra also urged the batting unit to take on more responsibility, citing a slight weakness at No. 8.

"(Skipper) Hardik Pandya will also have a responsibility to make runs himself and stay on the crease till the very end so that you have enough runs on the board which can be defended. And while I speak of bowling, I am astonished as Axar (Patel) isn't being utilised, because if you are playing a left-arm spinner and think you won't bowl him against a lefty, so you will get (Kyle) Mayers in the beginning, then Nicholas Pooran and then (Shimron) Hetmyer and then Akeal Hossein, so you can't make him play the match. I feel Axar can be utilised in a better way."