The Royal Challengers Bengaluru side started the season on a stunning note and have maintained a promising form in this season of the competition, as they have maintained their hold on the second spot in the points table. Such has been their domination that their run-rate is growing exponentially this season.
The Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, hold an exclusive rivalry with the defending champions. They have managed to win half of their matches while losing the other half after having played eight games into the season. The Titans lost the last time they clashed against RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, recently highlighted the flaws contained in the RCB and GT XIs so far in this edition of the IPL and suggested that these could be the concerns affecting their game in the crucial clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
That’s not good enough- Aakash Chopra points out unconvincing form of England star
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised severe concerns over Jacob Bethell’s batting form for RCB at the top of the order. The English star replaced Phil Salt at the top of the RCB batting order, just when Salt started gaining form, but was unfortunate to be ruled out with an injury.
With scores of 14 and 20 across the two games, he has had starts but has failed to convert them into big ones. Chopra believes that he has not been able to satisfy the expectations within the camp.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra claimed that Bethell, despite being handed opportunities, has failed to perform in recent times.
“Don’t change anything, although there will be slight pressure on Jacob Bethell because some time back, Alastair Cook was asking him to return if he was not being played. He is playing, but he isn’t scoring runs. He is playing cameos. That’s not good enough. So that is one thing they would want to change,” Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra doubts on the clarity of Romario Shepherd’s role for RCB
The former KKR cricketer then went on to claim that Romario Shepherd has been another player in that RCB XI whose role has been doubtful throughout this season, and even RCB do not have clarity on his utilization.
He pointed out that Shepherd has been very expensive with the ball whenever he has been handed the ball, which also cost them the match against the Delhi Capitals, their only loss at the Chinnaswamy this season. He has not had many chances to contribute with the bat.
“They still don’t know what Romario Shepherd’s role is because he gets hit a lot when he comes to bowl, and he is not getting to bat at all. This is another incredible part that all teams are playing with 12, they are playing with 11, and are winning despite that,” Aakash Chopra observed.
Chopra highlights the massive drawbacks for GT in IPL 2026
Turning his attention to the Gujarat Titans, Aakash Chopra claimed that the team, despite having batted well, is once again heavily dependent on their top three, comprising Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler. GT have won games where these three have not failed to perform.
“GT, you have two issues. It includes your dependency on the top three, which will remain. You cannot do anything about that. Sai Sudharsan scored runs that day (away game against RCB) and needs to score runs today as well, or else Shubman Gill or Jos Buttler should score runs,” he said.
Another problem that did not escape Aakash Chopra’s eyes was the concerning batting form for the Titans in the death overs, where they have failed to get runs at a rate like the other teams. They have managed to score the highest of 42 runs in the final four, which is much less than others. However, Jason Holder’s might slowly be turning their fate in the final four.
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