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'Please Win The Toss,' Ex-Cricketer Pleads To Rohit Sharma Before IND vs AUS Semifinal

Soumyajit Dutta

Rohit Sharma and Aakash Chopra [Source: @NishaRo45_/X.com]Rohit Sharma and Aakash Chopra [Source: @NishaRo45_/X.com]

Former India batter and analyst Aakash Chopra has raised concerns over Rohit Sharma’s dismal toss record ahead of India’s high-octane Champions Trophy semi-final clash against Australia in Dubai. With Sharma losing 10 consecutive ODI tosses, two shy of equalling Brian Lara’s all-time low of 12, Chopra argues that winning the toss could be pivotal in countering Australia’s knockout pedigree.

On a surface like Dubai where the pitch can change the outcome of matches, it will be crucial for team India to win the toss as several factors will be dependent on it including the use of spinners and the chasing conditions.

Chopra's Plea To Rohit Sharma

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra underscored the psychological and tactical weight of the toss in knockout cricket, especially against a side like Australia. While India has defied the odds by remaining unbeaten despite losing every toss in the tournament, Chopra warned Rohit Sharma against underestimating its significance in the semi-final.

“We haven’t won a single toss so far. Rohit Sharma has sworn that he won’t win the toss and won’t lose the match. It sounds fine, but the toss remains an issue. Australia won the toss in Ahmedabad (2023 World Cup final) and, contrary to expectations, chose to bowl first. That decision proved to be a game-changer.”

Aakash Chopra urged Rohit to win the toss at all costs as he underlined the fact that India's chances of winning hinge on the toss.

"When New Zealand bowled after winning the toss, I said they would die because they wouldn’t be able to chase if India scored 270. The truth is, even 250 wasn’t chased. So, this is the reality of this ground. If someone tells you that the toss isn’t important and you can restrict the opposition while chasing, I disagree. If Australia get 270, it won’t be chased easily. So, in my opinion, the toss holds incredible importance in this game. Rohit, please win one toss.”

Toss Woes And Tactical Edge

India’s unbeaten run in the Champions Trophy has masked Rohit’s toss struggles. However, Dubai’s conditions, where spinners thrive under lights, could amplify the advantage of setting a total. Chopra pointed to Australia’s bold move to bowl first in the 2023 World Cup final, which derailed India’s batting-heavy strategy.

While India’s spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel have exploited Dubai’s tracks, chasing under pressure against Australia’s pace attack and Adam Zampa's spin remains a daunting prospect.