Aakash Chopra anticipates that only the law of averages could prevent Virat Kohlis batting brilliance in the upcoming IPL 2024 match between RCB and Delhi Capitals in Bengaluru this Sunday.
With 10 points garnered from 12 fixtures Royal Challengers Bangalore occupies the seventh spot on the points table. Their fate hinges on emerging victorious in the two remaining league battles to keep their playoff dreams alive.
In a YouTube video previewing the RCB-DC match, Aakash Chopra observed Kohli’s recent run-scoring rampage and congratulated him for batting at a high strike rate.
“Kohli – will the law of averages catch up to him? That’s the only thing that can go against him. He batted incredibly well in the last match. Catches were dropped at the start but after that, when he started batting, he hit a lot. He also mentioned that he needs to keep a good strike rate in his entire innings, which is the right thing to do as well.”
“You have to play like that in T20 cricket. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill showed us that. Virat Kohli also made us understand that a day earlier. It’s an obligation to do that in T20 cricket because 200-225 runs are scored. 225 are even chased at times, even 262 is chased.”
Aakash Chopra
Virat Kohli has racked up a total of 634 runs at a striking rate of 153.51 in 12 IPL 2024 innings. Notably he has registered a century and five fifties with a standout performance of scoring 92 runs off 47 balls in RCBs 60run victory against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 9.
“I feel Faf du Plessis can do well in this match” – Aakash Chopra on the rest of the RCB batting
Aakash Chopra expects Royal Challengers captain Faf du Plessis to score runs in Sunday’s game.
“I feel Faf du Plessis can do well in this match. A Small ground, a good pitch, and Delhi’s new captain might not bowl too much spin at the start. After that, Will Jacks and Cameron Green, that’s their batting, and Rajat Patidar has also looked in good form.”
Aakash Chopra
While conceding that Rishabh Pant’s absence will benefit RCB, the famous analyst remained pessimistic about the team’s playoff chances.
“If this team bowls well, this team does well. In the absence of Rishabh Pant, Bengaluru’s chances have become brighter. The problem is that even if Bengaluru keep winning, they cannot reach 16 points, and I don’t think 14 points might be enough this time.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra predicted that a loss by the Delhi Capitals might eventually knock both teams out of contention for a playoff spot. However, he recognized that if the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lose in Sunday’s afternoon game, they would also be unable to achieve 16 points, and a club with 14 points and a high net run rate may qualify.