Aakash Chopra and West Indies. (Photo Source: Twitter and RANDY BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images)
The second Test between the West Indies and India got off to a wondrous start for the visitors. Coming in to bat first, the Rohit Sharma-led side found themselves competing on a flat wicket. Despite losing four wickets on Day 1, excellent knocks by Yashasvi Jasiwal, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli helped the side post 288 runs on the board when stumps were called on Day 1.
With the Indian team constantly dominating the hosts in the Caribbean, many experts were of the opinion that the Windies were handing India everything on a plate, and former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra was of a similar opinion.
Coming forward to question the West Indies’ tactics across the two Tests, Aakash Chopra was left perplexed over what the hosts were trying to do. When there was moisture present in the pitch in the first Test, the Windies opted to bat first, and when a flat wicket was provided in the second game, the side opted to field first.
“I am thinking what are West Indies doing? West Indies are saying you believe in ‘Atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is equivalent to God) and we also want to respect your tradition and that is why we will give you what you want,” Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“In the last match, India might have wanted to bowl because there was a little moisture on the pitch. They said you can bowl if you want and we will bat and get out for 150, don’t worry about it,” he added.
We liked your hospitality a lot: Chopra
Furthermore, Aakash Chopra also talked of the side preparing a flat wicket for the second Test. Stating that the only way to challenge the Indian team would be on a green pitch where the pacers of the side could prove to be tough to handle for the visitors.
“Here, they gave an absolutely flat surface, firstly I have got no idea why they do that. If you want to challenge India with your team, the only way is to play on a green top. You are anyway losing but if you play on a green top, your fast bowling might trouble the Indian batters and you might be able to tackle our slightly inexperienced bowling better,” Chopra said.
“They made an absolutely flat surface and then said you can bat and we will bowl. Thank you very much. ‘Atithi devo bhava’ is a very good thing and we liked your hospitality a lot,” he added.