Aakash Chopra thinks Bengaluru’s Royal Challengers (RCB) could claim an injury. This might allow Will Jacks into their lineup versus Mumbai Indians (MI) for the IPL 2024 match.
On Thursday, April 11, the two teams will meet off in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. RCB, who have two points, are ninth in the points table, one rung behind MI based on net run rate, and will want to get their campaign back on track with a victory over the hosts.
In a YouTube video, Chopra said that RCB would consider include Jacks in their playing XI, possibly at the cost of Glenn Maxwell.
“Will Jacks is sitting outside, you can use him. He is in very good form. If you see like-for-like replacement, bring in Will Jacks and leave out Glenn Maxwell. It looks easy but will it happen that easily, I am not too sure, because this is the same ground where Glenn Maxwell scored 200 against Afghanistan while standing on one leg.”
“Maybe they are still thinking that finally their investment in Maxwell will come good. However, when the performances are not coming, at times you get the news of a back spasm or a hamstring pull. So you might get a piece of news like that and a change might happen. You might see Will Jacks playing.”
Aakash Chopra
While recognizing that Jacks is an opener, Chopra believes Faf du Plessis would keep his spot in the XI since he is the captain.
However, the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player believes Cameron Green would have to make way for the England all-rounder if Maxwell remains a member of the squad.
“The first focus is on Virat Kohli” – Aakash Chopra on RCB’s former skipper
Aakash Chopra picked Virat Kohli as the first RCB player to focus on against MI.
“The first focus is on Virat Kohli, one more time. The Orange Cap is on his head and he is batting well. He lives in Mumbai. So Mumbai is also his home. So I feel there will be a lot of focus on him at this ground, that he comes, scores runs, and does the job.”
Aakash Chopra
According to the renowned analyst, Thursday’s game might be Glenn Maxwell’s final chance if he is selected for the XI.
“The second player I am thinking we should focus on is Glenn Maxwell, if he is playing because this is his last chance. If he still plays and doesn’t score runs and doesn’t take wickets, this is it. You will have to make a change after that.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra picked Reece Topley as the RCB bowler to watch out for.
“Last but not the least, Reece Topley, because he is a left-arm fast bowler. Trent Boult picked up two wickets in an over here. He dismissed three batters for first-ball ducks. He (Topley) is coming after picking up two wickets in the last match as well.”
Aakash Chopra
Topley has three wickets in two games with an acceptable economy rate of 8.25 in IPL 2024.
The England left-arm seamer was picked in the XI after the Bengaluru-based franchise’s big-ticket purchase, Alzarri Joseph, was hammered in their first three games, and he has given a good account of himself.