Last Update on: April 2nd, 2023 at 01:42 pm

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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that the young batter Riyan Parag should bat at 4 for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday, April 2. Aakash Chopra was unsure whether the team management would stick with their statement.

The Sanju Samson-led team finished as runners-up in the previous edition of the IPL, while the Hyderabad-based franchise has failed to qualify for the playoffs since 2020. The two teams opened their last season playing against each other, where Rajasthan emerged as the winner after beating the Sunrisers by 61 runs at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

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In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra named the batting lineup of the Rajasthan Royals, which includes Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Devdutt Padikkal, Riyan Parag, and Shimron Hetmyer. Chopra asked a question about Riyan Parag’s role in the team, citing head coach Kumar Sangakkara’s statement.

“Last time when they lost the final, Sangakkara said in the press conference that Riyan will always play at No. 4 for them. After that, he has had a good domestic season as well. So will they walk the talk? I am not sure,” Aakash Chopra said.

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Sanju Samson Shouldn’t Play Below No. 3 – Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra believes Sanju Samson should bat in the top order in the batting lineup in order to play more balls as he has a good record against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

“If he plays, it will be interesting because then Sanju will go too far down. Sanju has a very good record against this team, so you will want to actually play him up the order. He is also the captain, so he shouldn’t play below No. 3 but we shall find out,” he added.

Mayank Might Actually Start With A Bang – Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator believes Aiden Markram’s and inform batter Heinrich Klaasen’s unavailability will hurt them in their opening match. The former Indian cricketer named three Indian batters in the starting lineup and said that Mayank Agarwal could replicate Ruturaj Gaikwad’s success as an opener.

“Markram is not available. The captain himself is not available. That’s not a good story. Heinrich Klaasen will also not be there. So that will be another problem. Who can be their four overseas – I feel Harry Brook, Glenn Phillips, Adil Rashid because Marco Jansen is also now there, and you can play Fazalhaq Farooqi as well.”

“Your top three can be Mayank Agarwal, Rahul Tripathi and Abhishek Sharma. Mayank Agarwal scored runs in the friendly match and has come after doing very well in first-class cricket. Ruturaj Gaikwad also did well in first class, he had such a good day, so Mayank might actually start with a bang.”

Also read: IPL 2023: “Come To The Match And Will Thrash You…” – Virender Sehwag Recalls Fond Memories Of Inaugural IPL Edition

SRH vs RR: “Will They Walk The Talk?” – Aakash Chopra Questions The Rajasthan Royals Team Management On Riyan Parag’s Role

Sanju Samson Shouldn’t Play Below No. 3 – Aakash Chopra

Mayank Might Actually Start With A Bang – Aakash Chopra

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