Former cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has recommended that the Punjab Kings (PBKS) include Rilee Rossouw in their playing XI for the IPL 2024 match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 18. Chopra believes that Rossouw should replace Jonny Bairstow, who has struggled with his form in the tournament so far.
Chopra expressed his views in a video on his YouTube channel, emphasizing the need for a change in the PBKS lineup. He suggested that Rossouw, who was bought for a significant amount at the auction, could provide the team with the required impetus.
“If Shikhar Dhawan isn’t available, I am saying tata bye-bye to Jonny Bairstow. You are not scoring runs and were playing at less than a run-a-ball last time. It makes no sense. Then you move away and say that you should try to do something different. I think you should play Rilee Rossouw in this match. He is sitting outside, so you can play him in place of Bairstow,” Chopra reasoned.
Bairstow has only managed 96 runs in six innings at an average of 16.00 in IPL 2024, prompting calls for his exclusion. On the other hand, Rossouw, with his aggressive style of play, could be the spark that PBKS need to turn their fortunes around in the tournament.
Chopra also highlighted the importance of Liam Livingstone and Shashank Singh in the PBKS lineup. Livingstone, who has been sent to bat lower down the order in recent matches, should be given a chance to bat higher up and make an impact with his aggressive batting.
Aakash Chopra talks about Liam Livingstone
“My second player is Liam Livingstone. If I remember correctly, they sent him to bat at No. 7 in the last match. I don’t know what was the logic behind that. So get him to bat slightly up the order and I want him to score runs as well. The opposing attack is not that good, so you will look towards Liam Livingstone to score runs,” Chopra said.
As for Shashank Singh, Chopra suggested that the middle-order batsman be promoted up the order to strengthen the batting lineup. Shashank has been in good form, scoring 146 runs at a strike rate of 184.81 in six innings, making him a valuable asset for PBKS.
With PBKS looking to climb up the points table, the inclusion of Rossouw, Livingstone, and Singh could provide the team with the firepower needed to secure a crucial victory against MI.
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