Following India's victory over Afghanistan in the first T20I, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra expressed disappointment with Tilak Varma's recent performances. Chopra stated that Varma has not fully capitalized on his opportunities and might have to make way for Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the upcoming matches of the three-match series.

In the first T20I at Mohali, Shivam Dube's half-century and a quick cameo by Jitesh Sharma played crucial roles in India securing a six-wicket win over Afghanistan. However, Chopra's remarks indicate a critical evaluation of Varma's contributions, suggesting potential changes in the playing XI for the upcoming matches.

On his YouTube channel after the match, Aakash said, "After Rohit (Sharma) and Shubman (Gill) got out, Tilak Varma was there and Shivam Dube was sent up the order. Tilak Varma played well for some time but then also got out off (Azmatullah) Omarzai's bowling. Tilak Varma has not grabbed his chance fully."

"Will Tilak Varma play the next match? I feel he might get dropped because if both Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal become available, who will go out? No one can leave Shivam Dube out nor will anyone touch Rinku Singh. Do not know about Shubman Gill but I feel Tilak Varma might be dropped for the next match," he added.

In 16 T20Is so far, Tilak has scored 336 runs in 15 innings at an average of 33.60 and a strike rate of 139.41, with two half-centuries.

But following a great debut series in West Indies, Tilak's performances have not been at his very best as he has scored just 163 runs in 10 innings at an average of 23.28, with one fifty.

Aakash Chopra was also critical of wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma's dismissal, urging him to convert his fine starts to solidify his spot in the team, with Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson also battling for his spot as glovesmen.

"Jitesh played a good knock. Let me put my hand up and say that Jitesh played well but he will have to be mindful that he needs to finish matches because he could have done that. He is batting so beautifully."

"If he converts his 31 runs to 45-50 and finishes the match, there would not be any doubt, because his place is not yet cemented. It is going to take some time because, for that slot, Sanju Samson is there for sure, don't rule out KL Rahul as you might see him bat down the order in the IPL, and Rishabh Pant's name can come if he gets fit," he concluded.

Inputs from ANI