Aakash Chopra hits back at social media critics following India's explosive T20I chase

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has addressed the social media backlash he faced following his assessment of the pitch conditions during the third T20I between India and New Zealand. Chopra had initially suggested on social media that a target exceeding 170 would prove difficult to chase on the Wellington surface, a prediction that was quickly rendered obsolete by India’s aggressive batting performance.

India ultimately dismantled the New Zealand bowling attack, reaching a target of 199 with ease to finish on 202/4 in just 13.2 overs. The six-wicket victory secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, prompting a wave of critical responses directed at the former cricketer's earlier commentary.

Chopra acknowledged that the Indian batting lineup completely overwhelmed the conditions, effectively making a mockery of the perceived difficulty of the surface. He highlighted that the presence of sideways wind and the movement off the pitch had led many to believe the target would be a significant challenge, only for the Indian side to accelerate past the required rate with remarkable efficiency.

This explosive start propelled India to 118 runs during the Powerplay, setting a new record for the highest total in the first six overs of a T20 innings. The chase successfully neutralized the earlier efforts of Daryl Mitchell, whose unbeaten 89 off 52 balls had helped New Zealand post a competitive 198/3. With this result, India has now secured their third consecutive T20I series victory on New Zealand soil, building on their previous successes in 2020 and 2022.