Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed concerns over Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant’s form in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Aakash Chopra stated that Rishabh Pant is yet to return to his old batting form and added that it will take some time.
Rishabh Pant has scored 254 runs in eight innings at an average of 36.29 and an impressive strike rate of 150.29. However, he struggled to score in the last game against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). The southpaw scored 44 runs off 35 balls while chasing a target of 267 runs in Delhi.
DC will face Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) in their next match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday, April 24. The Rishabh Pant-led team secured a comfortable six-wicket win against the Titans in their next match in Ahmedabad on April 17.
“Rishabh Pant can easily improve the order” – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra suggested that Rishabh Pant should bat a little higher in the order. Chopra stated that as captain, Pant needs to take right decisions and bat well in the upcoming match.
“I am thinking about Rishabh Pant again. It’s like a broken record. You can easily increase the rankings because these battles have to be won from the front. They hit well. You can’t say that the vintage Rishabh Pant is back. It “Sometimes you feel like he’s back, and then you feel like it’s going to take a while.” Chopra said.
“There’s a little game of hide-and-seek going on. However, Rishabh Pant, the captain and Rishabh Pant, the batsman, there is no doubt that he is doing well, will be important in this game. He should make the right decisions, get to the right number, and then bat well,” he added.
David Warner needs to fire – Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that Delhi Capitals need runs from David Warner to be successful. Chopra mentioned that Warner failed to score much in the last game despite playing well before that.
“I think if this team has to do well, David Warner has to score. He missed a game due to injury, he was batting well in one or two games before, but he couldn’t do it in the last game.” Chopra explained.
“Delhi needs runs from David Warner’s bat. David Warner also needs runs because he is an IPL GOAT. He’s brilliant, he’s outstanding, but in cricket, like in films, you’re only as good as your last innings. I hope so.” Delhi wants him to do well.
David Warner suffered a left hand injury during Delhi Capitals’ match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He missed the subsequent game against the Gujarat Titans. In his absence, Jake Fraser-McGurk served as the team’s opening batsman along with Prithvi Shaw.
The Australian batsman scored just one run in three balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The left-handed batsman has scored 167 runs in 7 matches at an average of 23.86 and a strike rate of 135.77, with a best of 52.
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