Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has applauded the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for their T20-record run chase in the IPL 2024 clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, KKR posted a massive 262-run target in Kolkata on Friday, April 26. The visitors then achieved the target with eight wickets and as many deliveries in hand.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “Will someone explain what is happening in this tournament? Kolkata made 261 runs. Eight balls and eight wickets were left and Punjab Kings defeated them. They beat Kolkata in Kolkata for the first time since 2018. The Punjab Kings need to be applauded. Did anyone ever think that this was possible? We are all stunned.”
However, he also praised Prabhsimran Singh for giving PBKS a rollicking start and Jonny Bairstow for carrying the momentum till the end as well. Prabhsimran smoked 54 runs off 20 deliveries with the help of four fours and five sixes. On the other hand, Bairstow remained unbeaten on a 48-ball 108 with eight fours and nine maximums.
“Prabhsimran started it and Jonny Bairstow was struggling slightly because he was dropped in the last match and the form wasn’t supporting him a little. However, dropped in the last match and a mic drop in this match. It was a moment like that for him. When Prabhsimran gets run out, Jonny Bairstow just takes off and does not look back. There was no dew and still if so many runs are being scored easily, 300 is not far. They will be scored for sure, if not this year, then next year. I am absolutely convinced,” he added.
“Then Rilee Rossouw came for some time. It seemed like the match might get stuck but then came Shashank Singh. The evening was Shashank’s and the date was also Shashank’s because he batted like that. Of course, Bairstow batted well and scored a century. Class is permanent, form was temporary. However, my vote is going for Shashank. The way he batted, played Sunil Narine cautiously and then the pockets in which he hit his shots, he has been absolutely stellar. The day when he becomes a part of the Indian team doesn’t seem to be far because he is batting like that. He is showing his temperament that he is here for a bigger innings,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
