IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra Picks The Players That Franchises Might Have A Look At

Updated - 23 Aug 2021, 12:50 PM

Aakash Chopra (Image Credit: Twitter)

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Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra named a few players who might get the nod as reinforcements in the upcoming IPL 2021 as the franchises have started looking for replacements. A lot of players have opted out of IPL 2021 in preparation for the T20 World cup including the star bowlers like Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson, Jhye Richardson, and Riley Meredith.

Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer will not be available while Ben Stokes remains an unsolved puzzle. RCB has named Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Tim David as their replacements while RR has roped in Glenn Phillips for Buttler. Punjab has picked up Nathan Ellis who did really well in the recent Bangladesh series. There are still a lot of players that could be picked.

Aakash Chopra Names The Fast Bowlers That Are Likely To Be Added

Aakash Chopra was impressed by Merchant De Lange who played in the Hundred tournament and he has got the pace as well. He added Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Billy Stanlake, and Mitchell McClenaghan who have IPL experiences in the past for franchises and they have got the goods to deliver as well. He brought in the experience of Fidel Edwards as well who was unsold in the auction this year.

“Merchant de Lange – if anyone needs a fast bowler. Sheldon Cottrell – he was sold quite expensive one year and was with Punjab as well. They let him go and no one else picked him. He will come after playing the CPL, so he will have match form as well.”

“Oshane Thomas and Billy Stanlake, I will also add Fidel Edwards to this list. His recent T20 numbers have been very good. Mitchell McClenaghan, a player who was there with the Mumbai Indians for a long time,” Aakash Chopra told on his Youtube Channel.

Aakash Chopra Opines On The All-Rounders and Batters That Will Be Targetted

Aakash Chopra mentioned Thisara Perara’s good from off late and added that his countrymate Isuru Udana could be looked in as all-rounder options for franchises like RCB. He also picked Devon Conway, Rassie Van Der Dussen who might get a look for their amazing numbers in the T20s.

“Thisara Perera, he has had amazing T20 numbers of late. RCB can look at him as an option for a big-hitter after Maxwell. Maybe Isuru Udana, he used to be there with RCB.”

“Devon Conway, his T20 numbers are outstanding. You have taken Glenn Phillips for Jos Buttler, but if you are looking for an opener, why not Devon Conway. Rassie Van Der Dussen, another middle-order striker of the ball,” he added.