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'I Don't See Aggressive Captaincy', Ex-IND Star Casts Doubt On Skipper Ben Stokes 

image-lsbp6roxBen Stokes [AP]

Ben Stokes, the new leader of the modern-day Bazball generation of the England cricket team, has been caught in the eye of the storm following a brutal loss against India in Vizag as one former Indian cricketer raised serious doubts about Stokes's leadership competency. 

After choking in the series opener in Hyderabad, the Indian cricket team produced an awe-inspiring comeback in Vizag for the second Test of the ongoing five-game series.

Rohit Sharma and Co. tackled the bazball brand of cricket with utmost self-belief and quality skill set.

However, while India registered a befitting win, Ben Stokes couldn't escape the criticism that followed after the questionable loss. Many raised doubts about the skipper's tactics and game plan as Englishmen were left clueless with the bat in the second innings.

Former Indian cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra joined the heed to cast serious doubts on Stokes' leadership skills. 

Via his YouTube channel, Chopra wondered if the bazball approach is only limited to the bat. He believes the English skipper lacked aggressive intent in the field in Vizag.

"Do they (England) follow the Bazball approach in bowling as well? They keep slightly innovative fields at times. That is interesting. I like that because it forces you to think repeatedly. However, beyond that, I don't see any aggressive captaincy,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Chopra added that Stokes seemed confused with his bowling changes as he almost forgot to use spinner Rehan Ahmed for the first 60 overs on day one while the track suited spinners.

Also, Chopra says that besides tacky field placements, Stokes' captaincy was not aggressive as he searched for answers to tackle India's positive intent.

"With his field placements and usage of his bowlers, the captaincy is not at all aggressive. On the first day, he didn't use Rehan Ahmed for the first 60 overs. He forgot that he had a leg spinner," he added.

That being said, the Vizag loss has shifted focus on the debate over the reliability of England's bazball brand of cricket. While the Englishmen achieved success in the past with their aggressive intent, their success rate in the subcontinent is sub-par. 

The first two Tests against India suggested how England has become resistant to change and struggled to adapt to certain conditions. With the weaknesses exposed, challenging India in the next three games of the Test series will be a daunting task for Ben Stokes and Co.