Veteran commentator Aakash Chopra is slightly pessimistic about the Gujarat Titans’ (GT) chances of qualifying for the IPL 2024 playoffs after their defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as well. However, LSG posted 164 runs as target after opting to bat first in Lucknow on
Sunday, April 7 as well. Then the home team bundled Gujarat Titans out for 130 to register a comprehensive 33-run win, their third
consecutive win after a defeat in their tournament opener against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as well.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “Lucknow won and Gujarat’s situation is looking slightly bad this time. Lucknow will keep challenging for a place in the top four. They might qualify for the third consecutive year but Gujarat’s chances are not looking very bright. I will be very honest about it.”
“What do Lucknow do? Whenever they have posted a total of over 160, they have defended it. This is the 13th time. When I see their bowling in the team sheet, I say it’s okay, it’s not that good that you defend a score over 160 every time, but they do that. Mayank Yadav was injured this time but they they still did it,” Chopra again shared.
However, Mayank Yadav gave away 13 runs in the only over he bowled before walking off the field with an injury. However, Yash Thakur (5/30) did well. And, Aakash Chopra added that the Gujarat Titans’ batting is not as formidable as earlier too.
“When it was Gujarat’s turn to bat, they started very well. Wriddhiman Saha wasn’t available and BR Sharath came in place of him. Honestly speaking, the might is not seen in their batting. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill played well but as soon as Kane Williamson got out, you see the batting but it’s not the same,” Aakash Chopra concluded. “You were forced to send Darshan Nalkande up the order. So the situation is not that good. Yash Thakur picked up three wickets and Krunal Pandya took three. He gave only 11 runs in four overs. Ravi Bishoi picked up a wicket and overall, they were totally blown away.”
