Aakash Chopra questioned the Punjab Kings’ choice to bench Ashutosh Sharma versus Rajasthan Royals. The impact player smashed 31 runs off just 16 deliveries, after being brought into the game during a batting collapse. Sharma’s quick-fire innings propelled PBKS to 147, which Rajasthan chased down losing 3 wickets and 1 ball left.
Punjab Kings could not capitalize on Ashutosh Sharma’s blistering knock as Sanju Samson led Rajasthan Royals to victory. The 31-run cameo from Sharma boosted PBKS’ 20-over total to 147 runs. However, RR achieved the target comfortably to claim their fifth win from six IPL 2024 matches played.
In a video posted on his YouTube account, Chopra expressed astonishment at the Punjab Kings’ choice to leave Ashutosh out of their starting lineup.
“With what logic can you say that Ashutosh Sharma will not be in the playing XI when you are batting first? The logic behind it is beyond my understanding. Only two people are batting well in your team – one is Shashank (Singh) and the other is Ashutosh, and even Shikhar Dhawan wasn’t there with you for this match.”
Aakash Chopra
The former Indian opener also questioned Liam Livingstone’s batting position and Jonny Bairstow’s approach.
“You made Atharva Taide to open. You could have got that job done by Prabhsimran (Singh). You sent Liam Livingstone at No. 7. When they were asked to bat first, Jonny Bairstow was doing ODI batting. He was playing slower than a run-a-ball. Atharva Taide, at least, tried to play a few shots.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra said that PBKS was finally compelled to send in Ashutosh due to a string of wicket losses. When his team was down to 103/6 after 16.1 overs, the impact player smoked three sixes and a four to keep them in contention.
Aakash Chopra Questions Rajasthan Royals’ Decision to Open with Tanush Kotian
Aakash Chopra was similarly taken aback by the Rajasthan Royals’ choice to open with Tanush Kotian.
“Rajasthan said they will make as many mistakes as Punjab. They sent Tanush Kotian to open. He has not opened anywhere in any format. He has not batted above No. 8 in any T20 match and they got him to open. Why did you do that? He also didn’t try to hit at all. He was doing proper batting.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator observed that the visitors’ strategy transformed an easy chase into a difficult one.
“Yashasvi (Jaiswal) was trying at the other end but he is still searching for form. You needed close to 7.25 runs per over and at one stage, you need more than 10 runs per over. How did you reach there? It wasn’t understandable at all.”
Aakash Chopra
When Dhruv Jurel was dismissed, the Royals needed 33 runs from 16 deliveries. Shimron Hetmyer (27* off 10) and Rovman Powell (11 off 5) then delivered a couple powerful smashes to propel their team to a tight victory.