Ind vs NZ: ‘He is the number one bowler in T20 cricket’- Aakash Chopra makes a bold prediction ahead of the 2nd T20I

Cricketer-turned-expert Aakash Chopra has had his say for the second T20I between India and New Zealand to be played on Friday (November 19) in Ranchi. The home team won the first T20I by beating the visitors by five wickets. It was the Suryakumar Yadav show which anchored India’s run-chase well. The Rohit Sharma-led will hope to win the second T20I and warp the series with a game to go.

On the other hand, New Zealand would be aiming to put in a much better performance with the ball in hand. While making his bold predictions for the second T20I, the former India opening batter opined Lockie Ferguson would be the most economical bowler in the match. Chopra, also he would keep him on the same list as Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer.

“Lockie Ferguson to be the most economical New Zealand bowler. He is a fantastic bowler, the No.1 bowler if you talk about T20 cricket. He is one of the best the world has seen right now. There are few better bowlers than him. I want to keep him in the list of Bumrah and Jofra, he is almost there.”

Ferguson conceded only 24 runs in his four overs against India in the first T20I. He will look to pick wickets and be as economical as ever. Speaking about India, Chopra feels Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel will pick two or more wickets on a slow and low surface in Ranchi. The expert feels Ashwin is in fine form and he should stay in the team for a long time in T20Is.

“Ashwin and Axar to pick two or more wickets. Ashwin has been bowling sensationally his comeback in white-ball cricket has been a fantastic story. Then you feel why was he dropped only, and then when Washington Sundar was played, he did not do anything wrong he only got injured. Now he is out, and Ashwin has come. Till when will Ashwin stay, the way he is bowling, he should stay for long. Axar is keeping the place warm, that as soon as Jadeja is available, he will just walk into the side,” he added.

Ashwin picked up two wickets and Axar Patel didn’t pick any in the first T20I.