Aakash Chopra questions Rahane's captaincy after KKR's loss vs RCB
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer, Aakash Chopra, has raised concerns over Ajinkya Rahane's leadership after Kolkata Knight Riders's (KKR) recent defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025.
KKR set a target of 175 runs, which RCB chased down successfully with seven wickets and 22 balls remaining.
This unexpected victory has prompted Chopra to question Rahane's strategic decisions during the game.
Strategic oversight
Chopra highlights Rahane's delayed introduction of Sunil Narine
In a video on his YouTube channel 'Aakash Chopra,' the former opener praised Phil Salt's brilliant half-century against KKR but slammed Rahane for delaying Sunil Narine's entry into the game.
"There was a question mark on Salt's form... It's another thumbs up for RCB along with Virat Kohli's excellent batting," Chopra said.
He then asked, "Why weren't you bringing Sunil Narine? Who were you waiting for?"
Match highlights
Phil Salt and Virat Kohli's partnership shines in IPL opener
Phil Salt scored 56 runs off 31 balls, building an intimidating partnership with Virat Kohli who scored an unbeaten 59 off 36.
Their partnership gave a brisk first-wicket stand of 95 runs in just 8.3 overs.
Chopra's criticism of Rahane's decision-making comes after Narine, who ended with figures of 1/27 in four overs, was brought into the game only in the eighth over.
Player performance
Rajat Patidar's dominance over Sunil Narine highlighted
Chopra also emphasized Rajat Patidar's phenomenal performance, who has been all over Narine.
He pointed out that Patidar has hit three sixes off Narine in mere 14 balls.
This was juxtaposed with the number of sixes hit by Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli against Narine in their IPL careers - a paltry four sixes combined after facing him for 13-14 years.
Team assessment
KKR's bowling strength questioned in IPL 2025 clash
Chopra wrapped up his analysis by questioning KKR's bowling attack's strength in their IPL 2025 clash against RCB.
He implied that Mitchell Starc's absence was felt during the match and Spencer Johnson didn't appear as effective as Starc.
This observation adds another layer to Chopra's critique of Rahane's leadership decisions in this crucial game.