Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson might regret wasting their chances: Aakash Chopra

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson might regret wasting their chances: Aakash Chopra. (Source – Twitter/X)

Openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson flopped in the first two T20Is against Bangladesh. Abhishek scored 16 and 15 runs respectively, while Samson made 29 and 10. With Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad not playing, the duo had a perfect opportunity to impress the team management and the selectors and seal their spot in the T20I team.

However, they failed to do so far, and former cricketer Aakash Chopra pointed that out while analysing the game. He noted that their performance can hurt them, as opportunities won’t come that easily. The 46-year-old also doubts if the duo will be called up for the upcoming South Africa series after a disastrous Bangladesh series.

“Abhishek Sharma is one and Sanju Samson is also there along with him. It is a crude reminder that two knocks have passed, and you haven’t contributed significantly. You have the license to play long knocks,” Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

Also Read: ‘Next World Cup will be in India only’ — Aakash Chopra predicts Varun Chakaravarthy’s future after comeback

“When the South Africa tour comes, who knows Yashasvi, Shubman and Ruturaj might be available, and Sanju and Abhishek are opening. Suddenly you have five openers and five won’t play. Ishan Kishan might also start knocking on the door after some time. When you find yourself in that situation, you might regret that you wasted your chances,” he added.

If a big score can be made, let’s not sell ourselves short: Chopra

The surface in New Delhi troubled the batters early on, but it got better after the powerplay. Reminding that, Chopra stated that the players shouldn’t look to attack from the beginning, as they have the ability to do the damage once settled.

Also Read: ‘We need to play on better wickets back home’- Taskin Ahmed laments T20I series loss to India

“These two matches have passed. You will need to give yourself a little time. If a big score can be made, let’s not sell ourselves short, that’s what I feel. This is the same for Abhishek and Sanju Samson because you are getting the chance to open, and you have the entire 20 overs,” he said.