IPL 2020: Aakash Chopra Warns Rajasthan Royals Against Depending On Ben Stokes To Single-Handedly Solve Their Woes

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has not been impressed by Rajasthan Royals’ performances that have contributed to their losses in the last three games. After beginning the tournament brightly with two consecutive victories, Rajasthan Royals have fallen off the radar, suffering three successive defeats. While Ben Stokes will indeed spruce up their side, Aakash Chopra thinks his addition might not be enough to solve their woes.

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Rajasthan Royals’ overdependence on their top three batsmen has been one of the significant reasons they have sustained three defeats out of five. The likes of Steve Smith, Sanju Samson, and Jos Buttler have not maintained consistency due to which the pressure has mounted on the inexperienced middle-order. In the bowling department, Jofra Archer has not found the much-needed support while their fielding has room for improvement too.

Aakash Chopra underlined Rajasthan Royals’ feeble middle-order as they are depending upon Ben Stokes to make things happen. However, he questions whether Ben Stokes could help their cause. He warned that while Stokes might be the best all-rounder today, he could be left to do things alone like Jos Buttler was against Mumbai Indians.

“Their middle order is still looking a little brittle. They are waiting for Ben Stokes but can all the things be set right as soon as he comes. He is a very good player, he is the best all-rounder in the world but not God, that thing will have to be kept in mind. If other people do not do well, like Buttler was left alone in this match, Ben Stokes might also be left alone,” Aakash told in his Youtube channel.

“Steve Smith is trying to hit hard, trying to play out of character” : Aakash Chopra

The 42-year old added that Steve Smith must take his time to settle in the middle, find his rhythm, and gradually accelerate instead of going for the big shots from the get-go. He went on to highlight Sanju Samson’s troubles with bouncers as he will face a lot of them, especially have problems while playing on big grounds. Rajasthan Royals will go on to lock horns against Delhi Capitals in Sharjah on Friday.

“Steve Smith is trying to hit hard, trying to play out of character. I am sure he is feeling the pressure that he is the captain and that they need to chase 195 but you expect from Smith’s class that he will keep standing and catch up later. Sanju is getting out to bouncers. There is no problem in getting out but if you are getting out to bouncers, Sanju will be getting a lot of bouncers to face. So he could have problems on big grounds,” he added.

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