Aakash Chopra is not in favor of Sanju Samson replacing Tilak Varma in India’s starting XI for the fourth T20I against England. He mentioned that the wicket-keeper batter shouldn’t be made to bat out of position like KL Rahul. The upcoming contest will be played in Bristol on Thursday, July 9. Tilak has been a part of the playing group in all the matches so far, but Samson was dropped to add Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to the playing XI after the first game.

Aakash was asked whether Tilak should be dropped to accommodate Samson in a must-win match.

“Even if Sanju comes back, but the batting order remains the same, where will he bat? If Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma open the innings, Ishan bats at No.3, Shreyas Iyer at No.4, will you play Sanju at No.5 because you want another right-hander in the group? It is not good,” Chopra responded.

“Sanju hasn’t made any mistakes. He is the first player to be dropped and also the first player to be demoted in the batting order. I won’t play Sanju in the middle-order as he is not suited for that role. I will leave an opening slot for him because he gives his best there. Don’t treat him like KL Rahul,” he added.

Aakash Chopra backs struggling Tilak Varma

Aakash Chopra also backed Tilak Varma, saying the batter has done well despite batting in a difficult batting position.

“Tilak Varma is the vice-captain of the team, and his performances haven’t been bad, even if you consider the last four matches. He gets limited chances at the number he bats. The batting is not easy. If you want him to perform, you will have to show patience,” he said.

He wants Tilak to play the fourth game against England. “You shouldn’t make a lot of changes from Nos. 5 to 7 because players get limited opportunities. You have to maintain a good strike rate in fewer balls under pressure. It is not easy for any batter. You shouldn’t leave out Tilak and bring in Sanju Samson,” he explained.

In three innings, Tilak has scored 40 runs at a strike rate of 114.28 in the ongoing series against England. He amassed an unbeaten 24 runs in 11 balls, but India lost the 2nd T20I by 4 wickets in Manchester.

England are leading the series 2-0 after three matches, and India will have to win the remaining games to level the bilateral assignment. The first T20I was called off due to rain.