CSK vs RR: 'What has happened?' - Aakash Chopra worried about Yuzvendra Chahal's form post-T20 WC selection

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator, Aakash Chopra, questioned why Yuzvendra Chahal has been proving expensive in the ongoing IPL 2024 lately after the Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner recorded another expensive spell in the T20 league.

Chahal has been struggling to make a significant impact with the ball for the past few matches in the ongoing IPL 2024 and the Indian leg-spinner knockout of the race for the Purple Cap at the moment. He has so far managed 14 wickets from 11 games at an economy rate of 9.90 this season so far.

In his latest outing in the ongoing IPL 2024, Chahal returned with eyebrow-raising figures of 1/48 in his quota of four overs, as the Rajasthan Royals (RR) suffered a 20-run defeat against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match No. 56 of this season at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, May 7.

Yuzvendra Chahal's expensive spell draws criticism from Aakash Chopra

After being invited to bat first, DC posted a formidable total of 221/8 on the board in their allotted 20 overs, with notable contributions from Jake Fraser-McGurk, who scored a brisk 50, and Abhishek Porel, who smashed 65 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin was the standout bowler for RR, claiming three wickets for 24 runs in his quota of four overs against DC.

Chasing the target, RR fought hard but fell short of the target, as the tourists could manage only 201/8 in their 20 overs. Sanju Samson led the charge with a scintillating knock of 86 runs. However, it wasn't enough to secure victory for RR. Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mukesh Kumar starred with the ball for DC, picking up two wickets each against RR.

After the DC vs RR IPL 2024 clash, Chopra lauded Ashwin for his incredible performance but expressed his disappointment with the way Chahal has been proving expensive for the Royals, especially with the tournament entering the final leg of the business.

What has happened to Chahal?: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel: “Ravichandran Ashwin was absolutely outstanding. He conceded 24 runs in his four overs and picked up three wickets - wow Ravichandran Ashwin. All the other bowlers were expensive. Chahal conceded 48 runs in his four overs. What has happened to Chahal? Why is he proving so expensive these days?”

Chopra further noted, “In the last match and this match as well, he has been very expensive. Avesh Khan conceded 42 runs in his two overs. Sandeep Sharma conceded 42 runs in his four overs and Trent Boult conceded 48 runs in his four overs. So, the nuts and bolts were loosened.”

In the end, the commentator lauded DC stars Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abhishek Porel. Chopra said that Fraser-McGurk struggled early in his innings but quickly turned the tables by aggressively attacking the RR bowlers.

He hailed Fraser-McGurk's aggressive approach after he smashed fifty in just 20 balls. Chopra also highlighted the contribution of Porel, who partnered with Fraser-McGurk and played a crucial role in DC’s thrilling win over RR in Delhi.

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• IPL 2024 Points Table