MI vs LSG: Aakash Chopra lambasts LSG's batting collapse vs DC but predicts something bright for this star

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra was left furious watching Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) batting collapse in the very important IPL 2024 clash against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on May 14.

Chopra expressed frustration over LSG's batting failures, where openers Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul were dismissed cheaply for just 12 and 5 runs, respectively, while their number three batter Marcus Stoinis was also sent back for 5 by DC spin all-rounder Akshar Patel.

Then, the Lucknow team got another blow in the form of Deepak Hooda, who was dismissed by veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, while Ayush Badoni and Krunal Pandya could also make only 6 and 18 runs against the DC while chasing the target of 209 runs at the Kotla Stadium.

Aakash Chopra slams LSG's batting collapse vs DC

However, Nicholas Pooran (61) and Arshad Khan (58*) tried hard, but they could not take the LSG over the line, as DC won the game by 19 runs to only dent Lucknow’s playoff chances. After the match, the commentator slammed the LSG for their horrific batting display in the crucial match against DC.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “When Lucknow came to bat, what batting are you doing? Quinton de Kock's bat is not striking the ball and KL Rahul got out for five. After that, Marcus Stoinis came and he was left stranded in the middle. Deepak Hooda got out for zero. What are you doing?”

Analyzing Pooran's innings of 61 runs off 27 balls against DC, Chopra said the Caribbean batter was just hitting the ball hard without much strategy. He then hailed the DC pacer, Ishant Sharma, for his game-changing spell of 3/24 in four overs that earned him the Player of the Match award.

However, Chopra was really impressed with the LSG all-rounder Arshad Khan, who smashed five sixes and three boundaries during his wonderful knock of unbeaten 58 off 33 balls against DC, saying the Madhya Pradesh star was his standout performer of the match.

Aakash Chopra predicts a bright future for Arshad Khan

Arshad also dismissed DC’s dangerous opener, Jake Fraser-McGurk, in his three overs while conceding 45 runs. The cricket expert further predicted that the teams will go after Arshad in next year’s IPL auction and hopes the all-rounder will get a better price as he was bought by the LSG for just INR 20 lakh.

Chopra signed off by saying, “I think that was my Player of the Match because the kid...single-handedly fought till the end and instilled life in the match. I won't be surprised if goods bids are placed on him in next year's auction and he will be picked for a fairly decent sum.”

Well, after his dominating performance against DC, Arshad would certainly be hoping to get another opportunity to shine when the LSG will face the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their last league game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 17.

Notably, Arshad has played only three games so far in his debut season with the LSG, scoring 83 runs and taking one wicket in the ongoing IPL 2024. He had made his IPL debut with the MI and played 6 games for them.