Aakash Chopra has expressed his inclination to believe Hanuma Vihari‘s version in his ongoing dispute with the Andhra Cricket Association. Hanuma Vihari revealed that he was asked to step down from captaincy after an incident where he shouted at the 17th member of the Andhra squad, whose father is a politician. However, the Andhra Cricket Association has countered this by stating that Vihari had expressed a desire to leave the state team multiple times but then changed his mind, and that he himself gave up the captaincy.
The blame game is happening from both sides- Aakash Chopra on Hanuma Vihari and Andhra Board controversy
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra reflected on some of the recent happenings in Indian cricket. Referring to the contrasting statements from Vihari and the state association, he remarked on the need for transparency and clarity in such situations, he said,
“Mud-slinging is happening, the blame game is happening from both sides. From a players’ fraternity, you want to trust the player always. Hanuma Vihari is not just any player. He batted for Andhra with one hand when he had a fracture in his hand,”
The former India opener sided with his fellow Test cricketer, saying
“He has had an incredible journey. He has helped Andhra qualify. He has got the team together. I have huge respect for him, whether it was the Sydney match where he played with a torn hamstring and put his career on the line, and then he batted one-handed for Andhra. I would want to actually believe Hanuma Vihari’s version,”
Chopra expects the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) to intervene in the dispute to ensure a fair resolution. He also supported Vihari’s decision to no longer play for Andhra, considering the strained relationship, and expressed confidence that Vihari could find opportunities to play as a professional with any team in the country.
It Means the IPL is gone and the World Cup is also 50-50 – Aakash Chopra on Mohammed Shami
Aakash Chopra believes that Mohammed Shami’s surgery indicates that he is likely to be ruled out of IPL 2024 and is also doubtful for the subsequent T20 World Cup.
“Mohammed Shami got operated on his heel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wished him a speedy recovery. It’s a very old injury. Since he has undergone surgery, it means the IPL is gone and the World Cup is also 50-50,”
The reputed commentator opined that Shami’s unavailability will indeed be a massive blow to the Gujarat Titans.
“It’s very important for Mohammed Shami to be in the Indian team and if I see it from the Gujarat Titans’ viewpoint, it’s a huge miss. Umesh Yadav might do that job with the new ball but Mohammed Shami at the death was another beast,” Chopra explained.
In IPL 2023, Shami emerged as the Purple Cap winner, claiming 28 wickets with an economy rate of 8.03. His impressive performance continued in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he was the leading wicket-taker with 24 dismissals in only seven matches, averaging an exceptional 10.70.
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