Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has added that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are not yet eliminated from IPL 2024 ahead of their clash against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). However, both sides will face off in Hyderabad on Thursday, April 25.
While talking about the game in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “Bangalore are not yet out. Of course, it’s extremely difficult. They are at the bottom of the table. In fact, this has become the joint-worst season in their history, that you have played so many chances and have only two points. However, there are two ways of playing.”
“One is to accept defeat. This team will not accept defeat. They know how to fight and have a very loyal fan base. At times you play for the respect of your fans, that they gave you love and you will give them respect. In any case, you play to win and you give your best. You will definitely expect that from this team,” the former India opener further added.
However, RCB faced a 25-run defeat in the reverse fixture in Bengaluru on April 15. Although they allowed SRH to post an IPL record of 287/3, they tried their best by reaching 262/7 in the run chase.
“The most prominent player for that (playing to win) is Virat Kohli. He scored a century the last time he played against this team at this ground. Virat Kohli will be my first player in focus. He got out to a very controversial decision in the last match. One thing I have learned is that you need to respect the laws,” he reasoned (7:40).
“The second player to watch out for, I am going with Will Jacks. I feel he should be given a little more bowling. His last match form told that he is a mighty player. He was unfortunate to get run out at the non-striker’s end against them (SRH) in the last match. The expectation is that he will bat well here, as he did against KKR. I am slightly scared to pick any bowler against Hyderabad. However, if Bangalore have to do well, some bowler will have to do well. I am going with Lockie Ferguson. He got hit a lot in the first over last time but then he made a comeback against KKR. So I am expecting him to play here and do well,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
