NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra didn't mince words as he dissected Lucknow Super Giants' batting performance in their IPL encounter against Delhi Capitals, which ended in a 19-run defeat for LSG, effectively dimming their playoff prospects.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra expressed frustration over LSG's top-order failures, particularly Quinton de Kock's lackluster form and KL Rahul's early dismissal.
"When Lucknow came to bat, what batting are you doing? Quinton de Kock's bat is not striking the ball and KL Rahul got out for five. After that, (Marcus) Stoinis came and he was left stranded in the middle. Deepak Hooda got out for zero. What are you doing?" Chopra questioned, highlighting the team's batting woes.
Chasing 209, the top-order collapse left LSG at 44/4 in just 4.1 overs, leaving too much for the middle and lower order batters.
Despite Nicholas Pooran's brief onslaught, Chopra characterized his batting style as mere slogging and commended Ishant Sharma for his pivotal three-wicket haul. However, the match slipped away from LSG's grasp after Pooran's departure, with Axar Patel's sharp catch sealing their fate.
Amidst the criticism, Chopra reserved praise for LSG's all-rounder Arshad Khan, whom he deemed as the standout performer of the match. "Arshad Khan - I think that was my Player of the Match because the kid...single-handedly fought till the end and instilled life in the match," Chopra lauded, acknowledging Khan's contributions with both bat and ball.
1/9:Delhi Capitals stay in IPL playoff race with win over Lucknow Super Giants
<p>Delhi Capitals stay in IPL playoff race with win over Lucknow Super Giants</p>AFP
2/9:DC Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
<p>Delhi Capitals secured a crucial 19-run victory against Lucknow Super Giants, keeping their chances alive for the IPL playoffs.</p>AFP
3/9:DC's Dominant Display
<p>Tristan Stubbs and Abishek Porel led Delhi's batting charge, with Stubbs smashing an unbeaten 57 off 25 balls and Porel providing early momentum with a quickfire 58 off 33 balls.</p>AFP
4/9:Ishant Sharma's Triple Strike
<p>Ishant Sharma's impressive spell of 3-34 in the powerplay left Lucknow reeling at 44-4, setting the tone for Delhi's bowling performance.</p>AFP
5/9:Nicholas Pooran's Revival
<p>Despite a shaky start, Nicholas Pooran's whirlwind 61 off 27 balls revived Lucknow's innings, supported by Arshad Khan's explosive 58 not out off 25 balls.</p>AFP
6/9:Porel-Hope Partnership
<p>Abishek Porel and Shai Hope built a crucial partnership of 92 runs, laying the foundation for Delhi's imposing total against Lucknow.</p>AFP
7/9:Stubbs' Clean Hitting
<p>Tristan Stubbs' clean hitting, including four sixes and three fours, powered Delhi Capitals to a formidable total of 208-4.</p>AFP
8/9:Lucknow's Late Surge
<p>Lucknow mounted a late surge in their chase, with Krunal Pandya and Arshad Khan's aggressive batting reducing the target to 29 off the final two overs.</p>AFP
9/9:Delhi's Bowling Finish
<p>Delhi's fast bowlers Mukesh Kumar and Rasikh Salam held their nerve in the final overs, conceding only nine runs and securing the vital victory for Delhi Capitals.</p>AFPHighlighting Khan's potential, Chopra emphasized his bowling prowess and straight-hitting ability with the bat, predicting a lucrative future for the youngster in the IPL auction.
"I won't be surprised if goods bids are placed on him in next year's auction and he will be picked for a fairly decent sum," Chopra concluded, endorsing Khan's talent and potential impact in future IPL campaigns.
