IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra Suggests Kolkata Knight Riders To Drop Sunil Narine If Things Don't Work Out

Former Indian opening batsman Aakash Chopra has suggested an ideal combination for the Kolkata Knight Riders, while also opining on Sunil Narine’s form. Kolkata Knight Riders, who have won the IPL twice, will open their campaign against the SunRisers Hyderabad on the 11th of April in Chennai. Aakash Chopra opined that the Knight Riders should drop Sunil Narine if his performances are not up to the mark.

Sunil Narine has been an integral part of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ setup ever since his debut in 2012, winning the player of the tournament award that year and in 2018. But the West Indian all-rounder’s performances have been inconsistent, mainly owing to suspicious action. Last year, Narine featured in ten matches and scored only 121 runs and managed five wickets at 60.40.

Aakash Chopra underlined that Kolkata Knight Riders must be open to the idea of dropping Sunil Narine. While the 43-year old admits the spin-bowling all-rounder is a massive prospect; however, his bowling has lacked the bite since his action came into question.

“They should just open up to the idea of dropping Sunil Narine, if things are not working out. He is a big player but his bowling has not been that sharp since questions were raised about his action,” Chopra told in his Youtube channel.

I will have Tripathi as an opener with Gill: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra believes that Kolkata should open with Shubman Gill and Rahul Tripathi, followed by Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, and Andre Russell, making up the top six. The cricketer-turned-commentator suggested keeping Pat Cummins at number seven, while Prasidh Krishna and Varun Chakravarthy could follow.

“I will have Tripathi as an opener with Gill. I will keep Nitish Rana at No.3, Morgan at No.4 and Dinesh Karthik at No.5. This is your top five. Now you keep Andre Russell at No.6. If you keep him at No.6, the slight question will be whom will you bat at No.7? I would say try with Pat Cummins. If you keep Pat Cummins at No.7, you will have four proper bowlers after that. Varun Chakravarthy and Prasidh Krishna can be there in that. That makes it two,” he added.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals Have The Players To Win The Title, Says Assistant Coach Mohammad Kaif