India Targets Brevis with Bumrah’s Bouncers: Aakash Chopra on T20 World Cup Plans
Dewald Brevis, a promising talent in T20 cricket, is currently facing challenges at the T20 World Cup, having scored just 86 runs in four innings. His potential, however, has prompted former Test opener Aakash Chopra to label him as an X-factor player ahead of India’s Super 8 clash against South Africa.
Brevis’s Track Record
Despite a slow start in the tournament, Brevis has demonstrated his ability in the past. In his 26 T20 international matches, he has accumulated 576 runs with an impressive strike rate of 163.18. Notably, Brevis recorded a remarkable unbeaten 125 runs off just 56 balls against Australia in Darwin last August, showcasing his explosive batting prowess.
Chopra’s Insights on Brevis
Aakash Chopra emphasized Brevis’s capacity to change the course of a game rapidly, stating, “He is that X-factor. He comes at No. 4, and he has the ability to change the game quickly.” Despite his recent struggles, Chopra assured that Brevis’s talent will emerge sooner rather than later.
India’s Strategy Against Brevis
Chopra also proposed a tactical approach for India to counter Brevis’s potential impact. He highlighted the effectiveness of Jasprit Bumrah against the right-handed batsman. Chopra suggested that Bumrah should bowl bouncers, with two fielders positioned deep to mitigate any boundary threats.
- Bumrah has bowled Brevis only four times, yet has dismissed him once or twice.
- Implementing bouncers could prove crucial given the ground size in Ahmedabad.
Group Stage Performance
Both India and South Africa have advanced to the Super 8, maintaining undefeated records in the group stage. India achieved victories over:
- USA
- Pakistan
- Namibia
- Netherlands
South Africa, meanwhile, triumphed against:
- Afghanistan
- New Zealand
- United Arab Emirates
- Canada
The upcoming match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 22 promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for a place in the next round of the T20 World Cup.
