Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra, whereas Ajinkya Rahane for his knock in opposition to Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK), reckoned that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener appeared overaggressive at instances.
Rahane opened the batting for the Kolkata franchise in opposition to CSK and scored a fluent 44 off 34 balls. He was the top-scorer for the crew as they defeated defending champions Chennai by six wickets. KKR will subsequent tackle the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Wednesday.
Whereas previewing the sport, Chopra opened up about Rahane’s efficiency in opposition to Chennai and opined:
“Ajinkya Rahane has loads to show. He batted effectively within the first sport however I simply felt he was getting over-aggressive at instances as a result of he gave the impression to be enjoying the format, not the bowler.”
Rahane performed solely a few video games for the Delhi Capitals (DC) within the earlier IPL season earlier than being launched. The 33-year-old was bought by the Kolkata franchise for ₹1 crore on the mega public sale final month. Rahane has been going via a tricky part lately as he was additionally dropped from the Indian Take a look at facet for the house collection in opposition to Sri Lanka.
Chopra additionally urged that Kolkata captain Shreyas Iyer ought to bat at No. 3. He stated:
“Kolkata are wanting actually sturdy, though I need Shreyas Iyer to bat at 3.”
The KKR captain got here in at No. 4 in opposition to CSK and performed a fluent knock, remaining unbeaten on 20 off 19 balls.
Chopra added concerning the franchise’s batting:
“Sam Billings is a high-quality participant. Andre Russell can bat up the order. This KKR batting line-up is in type. Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane all are in type. There’s a lot that is going proper for the Kolkata franchise.”
Whereas Billings contributed a vital 25 off 22 deliveries in opposition to Chennai, Venkatesh Iyer (16) featured in an 43-run opening stand with Rahane.
“They will take an opportunity with Tim Southee” – Chopra on KKR’s bowling line-up
With Pat Cummins unavailable for the primary few video games, Kolkata went with Umesh Yadav and Shivam Mavi as the 2 pacers and used Andre Russell because the third pace-bowling choice within the first match.
Suggesting a few pace-bowling choices who might come into the enjoying XI in opposition to RCB, Chopra stated:
“Since Pat Cummins continues to be not out there for KKR, they might go in with the identical XI. In the event that they need to play 4 abroad gamers, they’ll take an opportunity with Tim Southee. There’s Chamika Karunaratne as effectively. Bowling was barely skinny within the final sport. Do they need to change it?”
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Yadav was the Participant of the Match in opposition to CSK for his wonderful spell of two for 20.
