T20 World Cup 2026: ‘My heart was palpitating’ – Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya’s outing in India vs USA clash

Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes India’s batters need to pause and reflect after a shaky middle phase during their T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash against the United States of America. Despite posting a competitive total and eventually sealing a comfortable win, Chopra felt the collapse exposed lapses in decision-making when the team was under pressure.

India had found themselves in serious trouble during the first innings, losing wickets in quick succession before recovering late to post a challenging score. Chopra stressed that such situations demand composure rather than constant aggression, especially on pitches where scoring wasn’t straightforward. The former cricketer questioned the approach adopted by India’s batters after the early blows.

“Abhishek Sharma got out on his first ball. Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube also got out, and it felt like we were gone. You were losing wickets one after the other, and when Hardik (Pandya) got out, my heart was palpitating. A little introspection will have to be done. When wickets fall like this, some player should be there to play cautiously,” he said on his Youtube channel.

India eventually set the USA a target of 162 after being reduced to 77/6 at one stage in Mumbai on Saturday, February 7. The co-hosts then restricted the Monank Patel-led side to 132/8, registering a 29-run victory in their tournament opener.

Chopra was particularly critical of Hardik Pandya’s dismissal, pointing out that the situation demanded restraint rather than an attacking stroke. He felt the Indian all-rounder misread the moment and attempted a shot that carried unnecessary risk.

“I feel Hardik Pandya’s shot was not on at all. You had already pushed him down in the batting order, thinking that he is a clutch player who would be needed later. You cannot hit a six over cover when five or six wickets have already fallen and so many overs are left. I thought bad shot selection and, of course, not good execution,” he elaborated.

Hardik was dismissed for five off six balls, caught at sweeper cover off Harmeet Singh. Rinku Singh, who managed six off 14 deliveries, also failed to make an impact, falling while attempting a big shot down the ground. Reflecting on Rinku’s dismissal, Chopra felt the finisher should have taken the innings deeper, especially given the match situation.

“The shot Rinku Singh played to get out, he should have taken the game deeper. There would be a slight realization for sure that there is a reason why no team has defended the trophy, won at home, or lifted the trophy thrice. World Cups are difficult. You cannot take anyone lightly,” Chopra observed.

India’s bowlers grabbed USA in the powerplay: Chopra

While Chopra highlighted India’s batting concerns, he also acknowledged that conditions became increasingly challenging as the game progressed. According to him, once India crossed the 160-run mark, the pressure firmly shifted onto the chasing side.

“Once you reached 161, courtesy Suryakumar Yadav‘s batting, then batting was going to be difficult. Batting is the tougher suit. Whether it was Mohammed Siraj or Arshdeep Singh, they grabbed them in the powerplay. There was a partnership after that, but then Varun Chakravarthy picked up a wicket and Axar Patel was on a hat-trick. In the end, India won the game convincingly,” he said.

“Siraj getting a chance to play was destiny”

Chopra also reserved praise for Mohammed Siraj, who made the most of his opportunity after being drafted into the squad in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence as an injury replacement for Harshit Rana. The analyst highlighted how quickly fortunes can change in international cricket.

“Bumrah wasn’t available. Siraj got a chance to play. Destiny, God’s plan. It happened with Ishan Kishan and Siraj as well. You were sitting at home 48 hours ago. Suryakumar Yadav called him and asked him to pack his bags, and he told Suryakumar not to joke. He played and picked up a wicket in his first over, then again in his second over, and took three wickets in total,” Chopra observed.

Siraj finished with impressive figures of 3/29 in four overs, leading India’s bowling effort. Arshdeep Singh (2/18) and Axar Patel (2/24) chipped in with two wickets each, while Varun Chakravarthy added one scalp as India comfortably defended their total.