Former India batsman Aakash Chopra chose Rishabh Pant as the player to watch in the match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Aakash Chopra said that Rishabh Pant could play a crucial role against Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Delhi Capitals will face Rajasthan Royals in their next match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday, May 7. The Capitals are in sixth place in the points table with 12 points. The Rishabh Pant-led side will be aiming for a win to increase their chances of qualifying for the playoffs of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals occupy the second position in the standings with 16 points to their name. The Sanju Samson-led team has achieved eight wins and two defeats in ten games so far. The Royals will secure their place in the top two spots if they manage to secure victory in the upcoming game in Delhi.
It is impossible to go beyond Rishabh Pant – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra suggested that Rishabh Pant should bat higher up the order and take a more controlled approach. The former India opener stated that Pant should counter Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal effectively.
“It is impossible to go beyond Rishabh Pant. Firstly, I hope Rishabh moves up slightly in the rankings and secondly, he shouldn’t do what he did in the last game. In the last game it seemed like he was insistent that he would only play odd balls until he got out. Chopra said.
“However, this is his home. So Rishabh Pant, this is your floor and your stage, make it your own. Play an incredible shot as both Ashwin and Chahal will be in the opposition. Only you can stop Ashwin and Chahal and meet them.” he added.
Rishabh Pant has scored 398 runs at an impressive average of 44.22 and a strike rate of 158.56. The left-handed batsman hit three half-centuries with a best score of 88*. In his last game against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, he scored 28 runs off 26 balls, including two fours and a six.
Jake Fraser-McGurk can change the present and future of this team – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra believes Jake Fraser-McGurk could change the team’s dynamic by neutralizing threats like Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma. The former cricketer and commentator stated that if Fraser-McGurk played six to seven overs, he could significantly increase the team’s score.
“Jake Fraser-McGurk again. He is a player who can change the present and future of this team. If he gets going, that is, if he neutralizes Trent Boult’s threat and manages Sandeep Sharma, he can bat. If he plays six to seven overs, the team’s score will suddenly be close to 90. The game will then develop in that direction.” Chopra further added.
Jake Fraser-McGurk has scored 259 runs in six games at an impressive average of 43.17 and a superb strike rate of 233.33. He has amassed 172 runs in three matches at an average of 57.33 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. He achieved the feat of scoring a half-century off 15 balls twice this season.
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