The Story Back Then- Cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra has opined on the playing XI of the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the upcoming match against Delhi Capitals. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will hos this match. He feels that Daniel Sams should walk into the side in place of Dan Christian.

Royal Challengers Bangalore bought Dan Christian in this year’s auction for 4.9 crores INR. RCB wanted to use his experience of winning major T20 competitions around the world. However, he has not performed up to the mark in this year’s IPL so far. He has scored just one run in the three innings he has played so far. To add to that, he has failed to pick up any wicket in his quota of overs.

Aakash Chopra feels RCB should add Dan Christian to the side in the match against Delhi Capitals

In his preview video of the match, Aakash Chopra stated that RCB should drop Dan Christian and pick Daniel Sams in his place. Sams is a left-arm pacer and can strike it big. He missed out on the initial stages of the tournament as he was recovering from COVID-19.

He feels that the RCB batting lineup is not weak but it is a little short. They are playing Washington at number 3 to lengthen the batting lineup.

“The RCB batting is not weak but a little short. They are playing Washington at No.3 only to lengthen the batting. Otherwise, Devdutt, Virat, Maxwell, and AB – there is no one at No.5. Washington or Dan Christian will have to play at No.5 and I don’t think RCB should play Dan Christian at all. They should think about playing Daniel Sams instead of Christian,” said Chopra during a video on his Youtube channel. 

RCB should find a spot for an Indian batsman in the top order

Chopra further said RCB has to give the opportunity to Madhya Pradesh batsman Rajat Patidar. He played two games in the tournament so far. Patidar did not score a lot of runs in those two matches which led to him getting axed from the side. Chopra also said that RCB should bench Navdeep Saini and add an Indian batsman in the top order against Delhi Capitals.

“They should create a place for Rajat Patidar in this team. So Rajat Patidar after Padikkal and Kohli, then Maxwell and AB, at No.6 you have Washington Sundar, at No.7 you have Kyle Jamieson, Daniel Sams at No.8.”

Though this is a great idea by Akash Chopra, it will be interesting to see whether RCB can implement it in the upcoming days or not. Virat Kohli and co. will be keen on winning the competition this time. It will not be easy and there will be a lot of factors involved in this. One of the things that could impact the business end of the tournament is the lack of players, who might be not returning to the competition.

That could hurt a lot of top teams who are doing well at present. These teams are on top of the points table. However, nothing lasts forever and the fall could be really steep for them now.