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IPL 2023: Aakash Chopra shares who can win the Orange Cap
By SMCS - Mar 30, 2023 4:00 pm
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Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has applauded Lucknow Super Giants’ opening pair, stating both KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock are Orange Cap contenders this season. However, LSG will be looking to try a title challenge this season after being knocked out in the Eliminator last year against Royal Challengers Bangalore as well.

Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock scored a fiery century

While speaking on his Youtube channel, Chopra said that top-order batting is the runaway strength for LSG, while naming both Rahul and De Kock Orange Cap contenders. Rahul finished second after Rajasthan Royals batter Jos Buttler in the Orange Cap list in 2022, scoring a huge 616 runs as well.

“This team’s runaway strength is their top order because both are Orange Cap contenders, whether it is KL Rahul or Quinton de Kock. The form Quinton de Kock is in, he scores his own century in 10 to 12 overs,” said Chopra.

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“KL Rahul has a point to prove. In a way, he does not have a point to prove because he remains close to the Orange Cap every year. If scoring 600 runs was that easy, anyone would do it but he does that. But there are many naysayers, so the critics become slightly silent if he has a good season,” Aakash Chopra added.

Gautam Gambhir
KL Rahul and Gautam Gambhir

Meanwhile, Chopra also added that LSG should play India all-rounder Deepak Hooda at number three since he has done well at that spot. He scored 451 runs last season and was the 10th-highest scorer in the league as well.

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“Then there is Kyle Mayers if they want to use him. He can bowl one or two overs with the new ball and can play the big shots while batting. He can step in if Quinton de Kock is unavailable. Then you have got Deepak Hooda. You can play him at No. 3 or No. 4, keep him at three as he has done well there,” concluded Aakash Chopra.