Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra feels that Rajasthan Royals (RR) have to change their approach in the absence of key players going ahead into the IPL 2021.
Rajasthan Royals have faced major setbacks by the absence of their three overseas players, which has also affected their performances in the IPL 14 as they are placed at the bottom of table.
Star English players Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer have been ruled out of the marquee tournament due to injuries while Liam Livingstone has opted out due to bio-bubble fatigue.
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In an video posted on his YouTube Channel, Aakash Chopra said that RR have problems because they don’t have their players and they should change their approach in absence of their key players.
"The Rajasthan Royals have more problems because they don't have the players. If they don't have the players, what can they do, they can only change the approach," Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
Chopra said that Royals’ fortunes will not change with personnel changes as their batsmen need to be more consistent and Jos Buttler needs to score runs if they have to fancy their chances going ahead into the tournament.
"The Rajasthan Royals' fortunes will not change with personnel changes. Things can change if the batsmen become more consistent else I see this team struggling a lot. They will ask Jos to please score the runs this time because things are not happening for them otherwise,” he said.
Chopra wants skipper Sanju Samson to show greater consistency.
"Sanju Samson will have to score runs because you have an average of 70 and strike rate of 150 in the first three matches for the last three years but from the fourth match onwards the average dips to 22 and the strike rate becomes 130. This cannot continue to happen year after year," he said.
Aakash Chopra said that RR’s middle order needs to rise to the occasion and have to contribute. He further suggested two changes for Sanju Samson-led franchise ahead of their clash against KKR.
"David Miller needs to score runs. Riyan Parag is playing all the matches and the youngster will have to grow now. Rahul Tewatia will have to contribute. Shivam Dube should play how he did and make it even bigger. They can make just one change, they can bring Yashasvi Jaiswal for Manan Vohra. They can also bring Jaydev Unadkat for Shreyas Gopal but that's about it,” he concluded.
Rajasthan Royals will next face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on 24th April at Mumbai and would look to gain 2 important points as they are placed at the bottom of the table.
