IPL 2023: “This could be his match” – Aakash Chopra backs Ambati Rayudu to perform well in Qualifier 1

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has backed Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu to perform well against the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of the 2023 Indian Premier League on Tuesday, May 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He pointed out that the veteran batter hasn’t scored many runs in the season so far, but added that Qualifier 1 could be his match.

Ambati Rayudu has scored 122 runs in ten innings at an average of 15.25, and a strike rate of 127.08. The Chennai Super Kings have used him as an Impact player in the tournament so far. Talking about the four-time Indian Premier League champions, Aakash Chopra expressed that they have depth in the batting order. He added that Ambati Rayudu might do well against Rashid Khan in the upcoming match.

“They have depth in batting. There is no doubt about that. Ambati Rayudu hasn’t scored runs thus far but this could be his match because he might play Rashid Khan well,” said Aakash Chopra in a video on his Youtube channel.

Aakash Chopra also spoke about Ajinkya Rahane, who has had a decent tournament so far. Rahane performed exceptionally well in the first phase but has been able to replicate the same performance in the second half. Aakash Chopra highlighted that the right-handed batter has struggled at Chepauk.

“One thing we have seen with Chennai’s team is that they are not sending Ajinkya Rahane regularly at No. 3. I will tell you why. This pitch is not suiting him. Ajinkya Rahane’s numbers are extremely ordinary at Chepauk. That is why he is moved below No. 3. They are absolutely okay with it if he doesn’t get to bat at all,” expressed the former Indian cricketer.

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Aakash Chopra highlights Moeen Ali’s struggling form with bat

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra also talked about Moeen Ali’s form in the 2023 Indian Premier League. The Chennai Super Kings all-rounder has scored just 115 runs and nine wickets to his name so far in the tournament. Aakash Chopra expressed that Moeen Ali’s stats will be a concern for the franchise. He also highlighted Maheesh Theekshana’s poor record this season at the Chepauk stadium.

“They didn’t get Moeen Ali to bowl in the last match and his batting is not going good. So I see it as a minor concern. Shivam Dube is in red-hot form, so that’s brilliant. Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) is batting well. I don’t know why he is putting cryptic tweets,” said Aakash Chopra.

“One more thing is that Maheesh Theekshana has picked up just one wicket on this ground. He doesn’t pick up wickets here. That is a slight problem. Matheesha Pathirana does well. Then Jaddu and it will be quite interesting to see how much Moeen Ali is used,” added the former cricketer.

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