Former India batter Aakash Chopra opened up about the clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) speedster Kagiso Rabada and Rajasthan Royals (RR) express pacer Jofra Archer. The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that two lethal fast bowlers could single-handedly destroy opposition batting lineups.
Gujarat Titans will take on Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026 on Friday, May 29. The high-pressure knockout match will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The winner will secure a place in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Kagiso Rabada Is Proper Fire, but Jofra Archer Is No Less - Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra praised the impact of Kagiso Rabada and Jofra Archer ahead of Qualifier 2. Chopra stated that GT head coach Ashish Nehra and RR bowling coach Shane Bond may have encouraged their fast bowlers to focus on pace and hard lengths instead of slower deliveries.
"GT have taken 31 Powerplay wickets. RR aren't too far behind either. They have also taken 29 wickets. Kagiso Rabada is bowling like fire. The bro is proper fire, but Jofra is no less. He is also bowling at 150 kph. I think both bowling coaches have said something in their ears, that they should bowl length balls and fast, and stay far away from slower ones," Chopra said.
"Both used to be guilty of that. Jofra used to bowl a leg-cutter variation, and Kagiso Rabada used to use an off-cutter variation a lot. The role clarity has come this time. Shane Bond might have spoken to Jofra, and it might be Ashish Nehra's input for Kagiso Rabada," he added.
Rabada has been one of Gujarat Titans' best performers this season, taking 26 wickets in 15 innings at an economy rate of 9.48. Archer has picked up 24 wickets in 15 matches with an economy rate of 9.17. Both pacers are expected to play key roles in Qualifier 2.
What About Rashid Khan? - Aakash Chopra Questions GT's Powerplay Plans
Aakash Chopra also questioned whether Rashid Khan should be used earlier in the innings. The former India batter said that the Titans might need to bring the Afghan spinner into the attack during the Powerplay if they fail to dismiss Rajasthan Royals openers Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal early.
"What about Rashid Khan? Rashid Khan has taken wickets, but he rarely bowls in the Powerplay. Will you want to bring him early this time? If Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal don't get out early, do you want to introduce him slightly early? It's one thing that they must think about," he said.
Rashid is one of Gujarat Titans' most important bowlers. The leg-spinner has taken 19 wickets in 15 innings this season at an economy rate of 8.77. Although he is rarely used during the Powerplay, his ability to break partnerships could make him a key factor in Qualifier 2.
Yash Raj Punja Has Flown Under The Radar - Aakash Chopra Praises RR Spinner
Aakash Chopra also praised Rajasthan Royals spinner Yash Raj Punja for his impressive performances this season. Chopra said that the young leg-spinner has not received much attention but has consistently delivered for his team with his variations and ability to take wickets.
"There is Karamati Khan, who has plenty of experience on one side, but Yash Raj Punja has flown under the radar. Ever since he has come, his performance has been extremely praiseworthy. He bowls from a good height and has a high-arm action. He doesn't bowl only fast. He bowls slightly slow as well, and he is also a wicket-taker," Chopra observed.
Yash Raj Punja is the first UAE-born cricketer to play in the IPL. The 19-year-old leg-spinner has taken nine wickets in seven innings this season at an economy rate of 8.92.
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