IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra Suggests KKR Two All-rounders As Backup For Andre Russell

Former India batsman Aakash Chopra has suggested the Kolkata Knight Riders with two all-rounders who could serve as the backup for West Indies hard-hitting batsman Andre Russell. One of the most feared batsmen in the world to bowl at, Andre Russell did not have a good 2020 IPL and performed way below his expectations. He had an outstanding season in 2019 but couldn’t replicate his heroics in this year’s IPL which could worry KKR.

Russell is a match-winner always and he will be backed by the team to come good for the IPL 2021. He was retained by KKR before the IPL 2021 auction and now they will be looking for a backup all-rounder for Russell who has had a lot of fitness issues in the past.

Russell has been relied upon a lot by KKR for success in last year’s IPL and KKR will now have to reduce the burden on the big West Indian to ease up some pressure on him.

Aakash Chopra Reckons KKR Will Be Looking For Indian Batsman

Aakash Chopra told that KKR has a good Indian lineup with Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, and Dinesh Karthik, but they need a backup Indian batsman. They have tried Rinku Singh but he doesn’t look the best option.

Aakash Chopra has opined that they will be looking for an Indian batsman and told that the other basis has been covered. He mentioned that the role of NO.5 and No.6 is important for KKR’s success while he named Moises Henriques and Cameron Green as the two backup all-rounders for Andre Russell.

“Dinesh Karthik and Andre Russell’s form will be critical to their success. Their batting at No.5 and No.6 has to be super-hit for this team to do well. Their team is looking perfectly fine but they will be looking for Indian batsmen. They have Shubman Gill, Rana, Tripathi and Karthik, which is not too bad. They have Rinku Singh as backup whom they do not give matches,” said Aakash Chopra on his YouTube Channel.

“They need a backup for Russell, a player who can do two things because when Russell gets injured then the whole scenario changes. They could go for Cameron Green or Moises Henriques as the backup for Russell if they are looking for fast-bowling all-rounders,” he added.

KKR Could Target Dawid Malan

KKR has had opening woes to partner Shubman Gill as Narine has not been consistent at the top. Aakash Chopra opined that KKR would be targeting the Number one T20 batsman Dawid Malan to open the innings with Eoin Morgan as the captain. Chopra also suggested Tim Seifert as a good option to open with Gill.

“KKR have Tim Seifert as an option to open with Shubman Gill. But they could look towards Dawid Malan. With Morgan as the captain, I think they will have a greater interest in Malan. Otherwise, they have Tripathi and Nitish Rana has also opened a few times,” Aakash Chopra maintained.

KKR have managed to win two trophies under Gautam Gambhir in 2012 and 2014 and they will be looking to win their third cup this year.