Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra excepts a solitary change in Punjab Kings playing 11 against Rajasthan Royals in their second match of the IPL 2023. Shikhar Dhawan-led side secured a thumping win over Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening match and will play their first away game of the season in the famous Barsapara Stadium.
Former Indian cricketer, Aakash Chopra has passed his verdict on the match between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. While previewing the match, speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra feels Punjab Kings will make a solid change in their playing 11.
“Ellis will go out because Rabada is available now. All South Africans are available, so he should also be available. Other than that, I don’t see scope for any other change. They will play with an almost similar XI,” Aakash Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra feels the Punjab Kings have a very good batting lineup as there might go with the same opening pair in the second match, with Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sikandar Raza, and Jitesh Sharma forming the middle order, who performed very well in their role against the two-time champions.
“Prabhsimran Singh will open here as well. After that, you will expect the same from Shikhar Dhawan. Bhanuka Rajapaksa will come – there is no guarantee as of now whether Liam Livingstone will play or not. Sikandar Raza played the last match. He might play this match as well. You might not give Matthew Short a chance here also. Jitesh Sharma is batting well, ” Aakash Chopra said.
Punjab Kings made a very good start to the league, by winning their opening encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders in their home conditions, making full use of the batting-friendly wicket in Mohali, and they will look to continue their winning momentum against Rajasthan Royals.
Punjab Kings Bowling Is Not Great But It’s Not Bad – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra continued that their bowling is good with the likes of Arshdeep Singh and the arrival of Kagiso Rabada for their second match and also added Sam Curran can pick up important wickets for his team despite his contribution with the bat for the team.
“Bowling is not great but it’s not bad. Arshdeep Singh picked up three wickets last time. Ellis also bowls okay. Rabada will come in his place in any case, so it would only get better. Then you expect Sam Curran to pick up wickets. They have Rahul Chahar, Rishi Dhawan, and Harpreet Brar as well. It is a decent team,” Aakash Chopra added.
Punjab Kings will take on Rajasthan Royals in their second match of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League in the 8th match of the league stage. Shikhar Dhawan-led side will be without the services of hard-hitting all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who will miss out on the contest due to an injury.