"Both haven't done well thus far" - Aakash Chopra on the importance of IND vs BAN 2024 3rd T20I for Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma

Aakash Chopra has highlighted the significance of the third T20I between India and Bangladesh for Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. He pointed out that both openers have looked attractive but haven't converted their starts into significant contributions.

The final T20I of the three-match series will be played in Hyderabad on Saturday, October 12. The Men in Blue have an unassailable 2-0 lead heading into the game, having registered resounding wins in Gwalior and Delhi.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra,' the former India opener pointed out that Samson and Abhishek are yet to fire in the series.

"What about the openers? It's a big question. It's a three-match series. You are seeing Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson opening at the moment. Unfortunately, both haven't done well thus far," he said (3:40).

Chopra opined that Saturday's game will be crucial for the duo.

"Sanju looked good in the first match. Abhishek, whilst he was playing, was looking good in both matches. He got run out in the first match but played a slightly loose shot in the second. Sanju also got out in both innings. He did score 29 runs in one innings but couldn't score in the second. I think it is important," he reasoned.

Samson scored a 19-ball 29 in the first T20I and managed only 10 runs in the second game. Meanwhile, Abhishek has aggregated just 31 runs across the first two T20Is.

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"There are too many takers and those many vacant places are not there" - Aakash Chopra on the competition for Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma

Sanju Samson has an indifferent overall T20I record. [P/C: BCCI]

In the same video, Aakash Chopra pointed out that Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are competing with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the openers' positions.

"It is important because you judge openers quickly and they have more time in T20s. So it's only fair that they should score runs because Ruturaj, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi will come from behind. There are too many takers and those many vacant places are not there," he said (4:10).

The reputed commentator acknowledged that Samson and Abhishek might continue to open in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. However, he added that they need to be among the runs before facing the Proteas.

"You might get the four games in South Africa as well but South Africa will be a slightly different and more challenging opponent. So you want to go there after scoring runs. So this match is going to be very important for both the Indian openers because if you fail here, don't be surprised if there is a question mark over the place for either of them," Chopra explained.

Samson has scored 483 runs at a below-par average of 19.32 in 28 T20I innings. Abhishek, who scored a blazing century against Zimbabwe, has managed only 55 runs in his other five T20I innings.