"Looks Half The Bowler": Aakash Chopra Big Verdict On India Pacer

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has expressed concern over Auqib Nabi's bowling despite the pacer's encouraging performance against New Zealand in the second ODI. While acknowledging Nabi's ability to trouble batters when there is assistance in the pitch, Chopra pointed out that the seamer becomes less effective when opposition batters step out of their crease and take the attack to him. He also highlighted Nabi's lack of pace and stressed the need for a clearer plan when batters charge down the track. Chopra specifically referred to Daryl Mitchell's approach, noting that the New Zealand batter repeatedly put pressure on Nabi during the match.

Speaking on Cricinfo, Chopra said: "If there is help in the surface, Auqib Nabi is best suited to extract something out of it. He's a seam bowler, a swing bowler and someone who hits the deck hard. There was enough help in the surface after the game was delayed because of rain. The pitch was under covers for a fairly long period of time, so there was still some surface moisture. He was simply putting the ball in the right area."

Mitchell was one of New Zealand's standout batters in Wellington, using his footwork effectively to disrupt India's bowling plans. His approach also exposed some of the challenges Nabi faces when batters decide to attack rather than remain rooted to the crease.

"The only issue arrives a little later when Daryl Mitchell starts walking down the pitch and the keeper has to be brought up. Mitchell starts smashing him down the ground. It has happened on two or three occasions. The lack of pace is something that will have to be worked on, and he should have a plan when batters start charging down. The moment the keeper is standing up, Nabi looks half the bowler," Chopra added.

Although Nabi picked up two wickets in Wellington, Arshdeep Singh impressed with a disciplined spell. The left-arm pacer finished wicketless but conceded just 16 runs from seven overs, maintaining tight control throughout. Praising Arshdeep's effort, Chopra said: "Sometimes it happens. Last game, he conceded 70 runs but had four wickets to show for it. On Saturday, he bowled much better than he did in Auckland but did not have any wickets to show for his efforts with the new ball. If you give him the right conditions, he is one of the ideal new-ball bowlers. He has mastered his skills in the shortest format, where batters are constantly looking to attack."

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