Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra explained RCB still has a chance in IPL 2024. They are not eliminated despite poor results so far. When RCB takes on SRH in Hyderabad on April 25, the team will aim to win.
Currently last, RCB has just 2 points from 8 matches. To qualify for playoffs, they must win every remaining game – a difficult but not impossible task. The team will try their best against SRH on Thursday.
In a YouTube video previewing the game, Aakash Chopra stated that RCB is still in contention for a playoff spot and will be hoping for a win.
“Bangalore are not yet out. Of course, it’s extremely difficult. They are at the bottom of the table. In fact, this has become the joint-worst season in their history, that you have played so many chances and have only two points. However, there are two ways of playing.”
“One is to accept defeat. This team will not accept defeat. They know how to fight and have a very loyal fan base. At times you play for the respect of your fans, that they gave you love and you will give them respect. In any case, you play to win and you give your best. You will definitely expect that from this team.”
Aakash Chopra
On April 15, RCB lost by 25 runs in the reverse fixture in Bengaluru. Despite allowing SRH to set an IPL record of 287/3, they fought back and finished with 262/7 in the run chase.
Aakash Chopra Sets Focus on Virat Kohli Among RCB’s Players to Keep an Eye on
Aakash Chopra has named Virat Kohli as the first Royal Challengers Bengaluru player to watch out for in Thursday’s encounter.
“The most prominent player for that (playing to win) is Virat Kohli. He scored a century the last time he played against this team at this ground. Virat Kohli will be my first player in focus. He got out to a very controversial decision in the last match. One thing I have learned is that you need to respect the laws.”
Aakash Chopra
Will Jacks was chosen by the renowned analyst as the second RCB player to focus on versus SRH.
“The second player to watch out for, I am going with Will Jacks. I feel he should be given a little more bowling. His last match form told that he is a mighty player. He was unfortunate to get run out at the non-striker’s end against them (SRH) in the last match. The expectation is that he will bat well here, as he did against KKR.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra believes Lockie Ferguson will excel for RCB in the bowling department.
“I am slightly scared to pick any bowler against Hyderabad. However, if Bangalore have to do well, some bowler will have to do well. I am going with Lockie Ferguson. He got hit a lot in the first over last time but then he made a comeback against KKR. So I am expecting him to play here and do well.”
Aakash Chopra
Ferguson has three wickets in two IPL 2024 games, however his average is 12.37 runs per over. In the opposite game against SRH, he bowled 2/52 in four overs, removing Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen, two of the franchise’s most dangerous batsmen.