IPL 2020: Aakash Chopra Points Out Why RCB Are Following A Conservative Approach

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has weighed in on Virat Kohli’s indifferent form in IPL 2020 and its impact on Royal Challengers Bangalore’s inconsistencies. Virat Kohli is one of the batsmen in the team to have scored 400 runs yet; the team has not been dominant in the second half of the season. Aakash Chopra has highlighted Kohli’s mixed season as the significant reason behind RCB’s struggles and conservative approach.

Virat Kohli, who is the tournament’s all-time highest run-getter, has 460 runs in 14 games at 46 with a strike rate of 122. Against the Delhi Capitals on Monday, Kohli scored a 24-ball 29, laced with two fours and a six; however, for the most part, he looked a tad unsettled. Ravichandran Ashwin bagged his wicket as the RCB captain went for a six; however, Marcus Stoinis judged it well to take the catch at deep mid-wicket.

Aakash Chopra claimed that one might feel Virat Kohli has batted well since he has more than 400 runs in IPL 2020; however, he has not dominated the opposition. The 43-year old observed that while Kohli did not start well, then got the runs. Despite not bossing the opposition, the Indian skipper has got the runs under his belt.

“He has scored more than 400 runs so you feel he has played well, but he has not played that well, it shows his genius because when you don’t bat well, you don’t score runs. He did not start well in the first few matches, then scored runs in a few matches but after that he has not bossed the innings but has still shown the ability to score runs,” Aakash told in his Youtube channel.

“In this team, still everything revolves around two players” : Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator further said that the Royal Challengers’ batting line-up is still over-dependent on Virat Kohli and AB De Villiers and that the team will do only if the duo clicks. Hence, to allow more freedom to the elusive pair, Aakash has suggested the three-time finalists to perform a little tinkering with their batting order.

“In this team, still everything revolves around two players. So till the time Kohli and AB score runs, the team will do well but when they get out the team will not do well, whatever the others do. For them to play in a fearless manner, they can give do a little tinkering and give them a little cushion,” the 43-year old mentioned.

Aakash Chopra suggested that Washington Sundar needs to open with Devdutt Padikkal followed by Moeen Ali in the middle-order. He believes that Moeen should follow Virat and De Villiers with which the order looks better. He highlighted that if they stick with this line-up, Kohli and De Villiers could bat more freely and win more games for RCB. The Royal Challengers will either face SunRisers Hyderabad or Kolkata Knight Riders in the qualifier and will have to win three consecutive matches to lift their maiden IPL title.

“It is never a good thing that RCB have not won a match in 2-2.5 weeks. It is still looking that they are batting with a conservative approach. So I feel they should open with Washington Sundar along with Devdutt Padikkal and play Moeen Ali in the middle order. So Kohli, AB, Moeen and then Shivam Dube, the batting order looks slightly better. Then they can play with a more fearless approach because if they don’t play in that fashion, I feel it will be difficult for them,” he added.

Also Read: IPL 2020: Aakash Chopra Lavishes Praise On Pat Cummins For Living Up To The Billing