IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra Names A Batsman Who Should Open For RCB In Absence Of Covid-19 Infected Devdutt Padikkal
Published - 04 Apr 2021, 05:48 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 02:37 PM
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has opened up on the riddle that the Royal Challengers Bangalore faces ahead of IPL 2021. Royal Challengers Bangalore received a significant dent as their opening batsman tested positive for COVID-19 and a few days before their season opener against Mumbai Indians. And Aakash Chopra believes that Washington Sundar should open in Padikkal’s absence.
Washington Sundar’s recent batting exploits in Test cricket have undoubtedly raised his stocks as he has played credible knocks in crisis times to shift the momentum in favour of India. Though the southpaw has not done anything notable with the bat for India, he remains a certain starter in the playing XI due to his economical bowling in the powerplay.
In 36 matches, Sundar has 186 runs at 16.91, maintaining a decent strike rate of 125.68. He bowled incredibly well in IPL 2020 in the UAE, taking eight wickets in 15 matches, keeping a remarkable economy rate of 5.96. Nevertheless, promoting the 21-year old to open with Virat Kohli could give the Royal Challengers a pinch-hitter. Simultaneously, Padikkal, who is unlikely to play the first few games, would be missed by the franchise.
The southpaw had impressed in his maiden IPL edition last year, scoring 473 runs in 15 matches at 31.53, along with five fifties. For his outstanding efforts, the 20-year old secured the player of the tournament award as well. Devdutt Padikkal had also been in red-hot form during the Vijay Hazare Trophy as he was the second-highest run-getter, slamming 737 runs in seven games at 147.60 with four centuries and three fifties.
Below is Aakash Chopra’s reply to a question asked by a fan over Twitter:
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) A<!---->p<!---->r<!---->i<!---->l<!----> <!---->4<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->1
