RR vs KKR: Rajasthan Royals playing to lose? Aakash Chopra questions team's integrity after back to back losses

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has expressed his concerns over the surprising slump of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the ongoing IPL 2024. Chopra described the Royals’ current situation as "slightly miserable" after they suffered a five-wicket defeat against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2024 clash in Guwahati on May 15.

It was RR’s fourth consecutive hammering in the ongoing IPL 2024, leading the former Indian batter to question the team's ability to win matches in the later stages of the tournament. He mentioned that they have failed to win a single match this month so far despite having a dream start to their IPL 2024 campaign, winning eight matches earlier in the season.

Aakash Chopra criticizes RR's lack of intent in IPL 2024

Chopra criticized RR's approach in recent matches, saying a lack of intent in their batting performances, particularly after winning the toss and opting to bat first, played a key role in their IPL 2024 campaign’s derailment. He further highlighted their struggles to score runs and questioned the reason behind preparing such a pitch in Guwahati.

Expressing his frustration over RR's decision to create a "home away from home" by playing in venues other than their fortress in Jaipur, Chopra stressed that they should capitalize on their stronghold in Jaipur, where they have a formidable record, instead of traveling to unfamiliar venues.

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel: “What has happened RR guys, will you win or will you qualify only when others win? You might feel bad that why am I saying that as you won eight matches. It seems like you won those eight matches last month. Have you won a match this month?”

"Why are you making a home away from home?"

Chopra further noted, “I think they haven't won a match this month. They have lost four consecutive matches and their condition is looking slightly miserable. They win the toss and bat first but don't score runs after that. They didn't show any intent, whether it was in Chennai or Guwahati.”

Why are you getting such a pitch made in Guwahati? Firstly, why are you making a home away from home? If you have a fortress in Jaipur, which no one is able to breach, you have understood those conditions well and played five matches as well, why should you travel and go somewhere else?”

Notably, the RR have qualified for the IPL 2024 Playoffs, and they are currently ranked second in the standings with 16 points from 13 matches so far in the tournament. But, for now, the Royals’ position in the top two looks in danger after they lost the four games on a trot.

Now, they will have to beat the table-topper Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their final league game on May 19 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati for the top-two finish, and it won’t be easy at all given their poor form.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have a great chance to join the KKR in the top two as they still have two games in the league stage, and if they manage to beat Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 16 and PBKS on May 19, then things will be tough for RR.