Former Indian opener believes Prithvi Shaw will not play in 2nd T20I against New Zealand despite top-order failure

Having lost the first T20I to New Zealand, India is all set for the second match that begins on the 29th of January. India's top-order failure was one of the biggest reasons they lost the match. Despite their top-order batters' failure in the first game, Aakash Chopra does not see Prithvi Shaw in India's XI in the second T20I.

On Sunday, the second game of the three-match series will be played at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium (January 29). On Friday, the Men in Blue were reduced to 15-3 while chasing a 177-run target in Ranchi, eventually losing by 21 runs.

In a video previewing the second T20I, Chopra stated that Shaw is unlikely to replace either Ishan Kishan or Shubman Gill at the top of the order. "Is there any scope for change in the Indian team? That's a big question. It almost seems that Prithvi Shaw should play because Ishan Kishan has a highest of 36 in his last 12 T20I innings, and Shubman Gill hasn't really set the world on fire if you talk about T20I cricket. You can ask either of them to sit out, but it will not happen," he said.

Chopra went on to say that Hardik Pandya and the team's management are likely to stick with the same lineup that played in the first game. "It will simply not happen because in a three-match series, you try to stick with whoever you play in the first match. If you make changes quickly, questions are raised on the selection philosophy, that you are doing something wrong. The team that played in Ranchi will be seen playing in Lucknow as well," he added.

A lot of focus will be there on the top three: Aakash Chopra

Chopra also stated that the trio of Gill, Kishan, and Rahul Tripathi must perform in Sunday's game: "A lot of focus will be there on the top three - Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan and Rahul Tripathi because time is running out. An IPL will come in between, and stories might change. So it is better you score runs now."