When the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) square off in the IPL 2023, Aakash Chopra wants Andre Russell to bat higher in the order. The Sunday, April 23, evening match between the two teams will take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. An advantageous outcome for KKR will enable them to close the gap with the current frontrunners in the Indian Premier League, while a victory for the visitors might move them to the top of the IPL 2023 points table.
Chopra advised KKR to play either Lockie Ferguson or Tim Southee in lieu of Litton Das and not drop Andre Russell in the batting order while previewing the match in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.
“Don’t send Andre Russell at No. 8”
“KKR has already made a lot of changes. Will they make more changes? We really don’t know. You went with a new opening pair – Litton Das and Jason Roy but you will need an overseas fast bowler on this pitch. You should play either Lockie Ferguson or Tim Southee.”
“For that, you will have to leave out an overseas batter. Litton Das only will go out and Jagadeesan can keep because Jason Roy scored runs in the last match. You will once again expect runs from Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana because this ground suits his playing style. Don’t send Andre Russell at No. 8.”
Aakash Chopra continued
Chopra predicts Russell might be seen using the ball as well, arguing that the all-rounder frequently takes wickets in the Eden Gardens with his short-pitched bowling.
Additionally, he advised Suyash Sharma to bat ahead of Anukul Roy because the left-arm spinner might struggle against the abundance of left-handers in CSK’s batting order.
Aakash picks CSK as the Favourites Against KKR
Aakash Chopra noted the Chennai Super Kings’ balanced bowling assault when discussing the four-time champion team, saying:
“Chennai have got no issues to address. They will manage with Tushar Deshpande, Akash Singh and Matheesha Pathirana if it is a seamer-friendly pitch. If it is a slightly spin-friendly pitch, they have Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja and Maheesh Theekshana, and can play Mitchell Santner as well.”Aakash Chopra
“They have all their bases covered. They don’t face any problems. They have a lot of experience in the batting lineup and both openers are in good form, and Ruturaj Gaikwad will not get run out at the non-striker’s end every time.”