Since Sarfaraz Khan had reached 150, maybe there was a slight concentration lapse: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra and Sarfaraz Khan. (Source – Twitter/X)

Sarfaraz Khan, who replaced Shubman Gill in the first Test against New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, scored a stunning century in the second innings of the game. The hosts needed someone to step up and Sarfaraz managed to live up to the expectations, scoring 150 runs and bringing India back into the game. He also stitched a crucial 177-run partnership with Rishabh Pant, which helped the Rohit Sharma-led side post 462 runs in the second innings of the game.

Notably, the Mumbai-born cricketer did not change his approach despite India being under immense pressure. He looked flawless and put the pressure on Kiwi bowlers but soon after completing 150, the cricketer had to make his way back to the pavilion as Tim Southee got the better of him. Explaining what went wrong, former cricketer Aakash Chopra stated that Sarfarz might have lost his concentration after reaching the landmark, which might have cost him the wicket.

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He analysed that Sarfaraz was asked plenty of questions on the off-side, especially against the new ball. Chopra added that the cricketer let it go as he does not play drives but on that delivery from Southee, he went for it and got out.

“Test cricket goes like that only. It’s not mandatory to take the new ball but the opposing team took it because they were lagging in the game, they had fast bowlers, and there are slightly brighter chances of wickets falling with the new ball. Then they also bowled with discipline,” Chopra said during a discussion on Colors Cineplex.

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“The bowling was looking deflated before that but as soon as they got the new ball, there was a spring in the stride, and they were bowling in the right areas. Since he had reached 150, maybe there was a slight concentration lapse, or else he doesn’t play drives,” Chopra added.

Meanwhile, New Zealand need 107 runs to win the first Test. India have a daunting task on their hands and it will need an extraordinary performance from the bowling unit to win the game on Day 5.