"Was referring to a 10-over run chase" - Former opener reacts cheekily after being trolled for X post on 3rd NZ vs IND 2026 T20I

Former opener Aakash Chopra has reacted after being trolled for an X post on the third New Zealand vs India T20I in Wellington. In his post, Chopra opined that the Men in Blue could find it difficult to chase down a 170+ target. The visitors, however, gunned down a total of 198 in 13.2 overs.

India hammered New Zealand by six wickets in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27 in the third T20I of the five-match series. Batting first, the Black Caps put up 198-3 on the board as Daryl Mitchell slammed 89* off 52 balls. In the chase, Abhishek Sharma clobbered 113 off just 38 balls.

In a video on Cricinfo, Chopra sportingly trolled himself while reflecting on the post that went horribly wrong. He quipped:

"I think people should stay away from Twitter because it tends to bring the worst out of all of us. On a very serious note, I tweeted this and I was referring to a 10-over run chase. That it is a little tough to chase it down in just 10 overs. And see, I was right."

On a serious note, Chopra went on to add that he genuinely felt conditions were not all that easy for batting. He commented:

"What exactly is happening? If you were to see the first few overs, the ball was darting around. There was movement in the surface. And I thought 170-plus... The commentators were saying, 'it is a tricky surface. There is some sideways wind as well. They made a mockery of it. That's what this Indian batting team is doing."

Abhishek struck nine fours and 11 sixes in his 113 off 38 balls. The southpaw featured in a blazing opening stand of 133 in 43 balls with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (45 off 19).

"I pretty much manifested this innings" - Abhishek Sharma after stunning ton in 3rd NZ vs IND 2026 T20I

Speaking after the incredible knock in Wellington, Abhishek stated that he manifested the innings. He also added that he has been preparing very hard for the challenge in New Zealand. Abhishek said (via Cricinfo):

"I feel I pretty much manifested this innings and it happened. Obviously, I feel it's not that easy, but it's just the preparation behind the scenes, I would say. Special mention to our coaches because the side-arms, we've been playing them a lot. And it's just, I feel that preparation is really important as a batter."

Having clinched the series 3-0, India will face New Zealand in the fourth T20I at the Eden Park in Auckland on October 30.

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