IPL 2020: 'The law of averages says that the Rajasthan Royals can hit back against the Delhi Capitals' - Aakash Chopra
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has opined that the law of averages could favour the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their IPL 2020 clash against the Delhi Capitals (DC) tonight.
He made this observation while previewing the clash between the two sides in a video shared on his YouTube channel.
Aakash Chopra mentioned that tonight's match will be played at Sharjah, which is the ground on which the Rajasthan Royals won both their encounters. He was quick to add that the Delhi Capitals were also victorious in the solitary match they have played at the venue so far.
"Rajasthan Royals is back to Sharjah, where they belong. Two matches, two victories, 100 percent results although Delhi Capitals can also say the same thing as they also won the only match they played there against KKR."
While talking about the probable team changes, Aakash Chopra stated that the Rajasthan Royals will continue to field Tom Curran ahead of Oshane Thomas, with Ben Stokes not yet available. He observed that the Steve Smith-led side might exclude Yashasvi Jaiswal from their playing XI, and termed it slightly unfair on the youngster if that happens.
"Will Rajasthan Royals stick with Tom Curran or go towards Oshane Thomas, I think Tom Curran. They might think about Yashasvi, it's unfair I know but they may want to make him sit out. They may also be able to justify it now."
As for the Delhi Capitals, the former KKR player pointed out that the franchise might want to play Sandeep Lamichhane. He added that this change is unlikely, as Shimron Hetmyer would have to make way for Ajinkya Rahane in that case.
"There is no scope of a change in Delhi Capitals according to me. With Amit Mishra out, they may want to bring in Sandeep Lamichhane but how is a huge issue. Can they make Shimron Hetmyer sit out and play Ajinkya Rahane? It is going to be a tough one."
Aakash Chopra on the player battle to watch out for in the Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals encounter
Aakash Chopra picked the contest between Jos Buttler and Kagiso Rabada as the player battle to look forward to in the clash between the Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Capitals.
"Jos Buttler in front of Kagiso Rabada is the player battle I am looking forward to. It is a heavy-duty clash with both being quality players."
The 43-year-old observed that the flat pitch and the small boundaries might favour the Rajasthan Royals opener but the Delhi Capitals pacer cannot be taken lightly.
"There is no help on this pitch for the fast bowlers or the spinners, so Buttler's bat may be favoured but Rabada cannot be taken lightly, he is having the Purple Cap and he does not let it go."
He highlighted the enormous success Rabada has enjoyed in the IPL over the last year to drive home his point.
"I think there have been 17-18 matches in the IPL where he has taken a wicket in every match. He has been absolutely unstoppable, he took 4 wickets in the last match as well."
Aakash Chopra signed off by picking the Delhi Capitals as the probable winner in the clash between the two sides, but stated that the law of averages might favour the Rajasthan Royals.
"I am going with Delhi Capitals although the law of averages says that Rajasthan Royals can hit back against them. But I am still sticking with Delhi because they are a better team and they are going to win in this game."
A win for the Delhi Capitals in tonight's encounter will help them climb to the top of the IPL 2020 points table. A favourable result for the Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, will keep them very much in the race for a playoff spot as they would join the three other teams who already have 6 points to their credit.