NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer
Aakash Chopra
didn't mince words as he dissected Lucknow Super Giants' batting performance in their IPL encounter against Delhi Capitals, which ended in a 19-run defeat for LSG, effectively dimming their playoff prospects.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra expressed frustration over LSG's top-order failures, particularly
Quinton de Kock
's lackluster form and
KL Rahul
's early dismissal.
"When Lucknow came to bat, what batting are you doing? Quinton de Kock's bat is not striking the ball and KL Rahul got out for five. After that, (Marcus) Stoinis came and he was left stranded in the middle.
Deepak Hooda
got out for zero. What are you doing?" Chopra questioned, highlighting the team's batting woes.
Chasing 209, the top-order collapse left LSG at 44/4 in just 4.1 overs, leaving too much for the middle and lower order batters.
Despite
Nicholas Pooran
's brief onslaught, Chopra characterized his batting style as mere slogging and commended Ishant Sharma for his pivotal three-wicket haul. However, the match slipped away from LSG's grasp after Pooran's departure, with Axar Patel's sharp catch sealing their fate.
Amidst the criticism, Chopra reserved praise for LSG's all-rounder
Arshad Khan
, whom he deemed as the standout performer of the match. "Arshad Khan - I think that was my Player of the Match because the kid...single-handedly fought till the end and instilled life in the match," Chopra lauded, acknowledging Khan's contributions with both bat and ball.
Highlighting Khan's potential, Chopra emphasized his bowling prowess and straight-hitting ability with the bat, predicting a lucrative future for the youngster in the IPL auction.
"I won't be surprised if goods bids are placed on him in next year's auction and he will be picked for a fairly decent sum," Chopra concluded, endorsing Khan's talent and potential impact in future IPL campaigns.
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