‘Not picking up wickets at all’: Aakash Chopra on Sunil Narine’s nonchalant manner ahead of KKR’s IPL 2023 clash against Rajasthan Royals

Aakash Chopra has highlighted Sunil Narine’s inability to pick up wickets as one of the concerns for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) heading into their IPL 2023 clash against the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

The two sides will meet at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, May 11. Nitish Rana and Co. will be hoping their Caribbean spinner will retake the field heading into the trade finale of the tournament.

While previewing the game in a video shared on her YouTube channel, Chopra noted that Sunil NarinKKR’s lack of penetration has left KKR dependent on Varun Chakaravarthy and Suyash Sharma in the spin bowling department, explaining:

“Fast bowling goes a bit 50-50. Sunil Narine’s form is absolutely missing. He’s not picking up wickets at all. The two long legs, Varun Chakaravarthy and Suyash Sharma, are the heart and soul of his bowling, and Harshit Rana with the new ball.”

previous Knight Riders of Calcutta The player expressed surprise at some of the franchise’s picks and the use of their players in previous games, explaining:

“You still don’t understand why Shardul Thakur was played, but that’s very typical of KKR. Sometimes they play David Wiese and they don’t bowl him, they play Shardul and they don’t bowl him. They bring in Anukul Roy instead of Suyash Sharma”.

Shardul Thakur was part of KKR’s starting XI in their last match against the Punjab Kings but did not receive a single over. Anukul Roy edged out Suyash Sharma as an impact player against SunRisers Hyderabad as the two-time champions needed a few runs in the order.

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“KKR’s balance is good” – Aakash Chopra

However, Aakash Chopra feels that the Kolkata Knight Riders have found the right balance, stating:

“They are finding ways to win. Rinku Singh comes in and hits fours and sixes. They are beating Andre Russell in the order. Now the team is looking very good. I feel KKR’s balance is good.”

The renowned commentator noted that the home team has a formidable batting order heading into Thursday’s game, noting:

“Nitish Rana, Jason Roy, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rinku Singh and Andre Russell – they have five proper batsmen. Venkatesh Iyer is 50-50, hasn’t done much past 100 but he can anytime.”

Rinku Singh (337), Nitish Rana (326) and Venkatesh Iyer (314) are the best riders for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2023. Although andre russell he has contributed just 208 runs so far, he seemed to be reaching his prime during his 23-ball 42 in his last match against the Punjab Kings.