'Rahane and Raghuvanshi not to bat together' - Aakash Chopra's advice for KKR ahead of RCB clash

Published - 17 May 2025, 13:18 IST | Updated - 17 May 2025, 13:33 IST

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has given some valuable advice to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise ahead of their clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 17. This is a must-win game for KKR after their loss against CSK in the previous match before IPL was halted for a week.

KKR still have two matches left, however, their hopes of qualification are hanging by a thread. On the other hand, RCB are in a commanding position as they are in the second position in the points table, with eight wins in 11 matches. The Bengaluru-based franchise needs to win just one more fixture to secure their qualification in the playoffs.

Chopra dissected KKR's squad and analysed the players who can be included in the XI. He also suggested that KKR will have to be cautious about their bowling combination keeping the overcast weather in Bengaluru in mind.

IPL 2025: RCB vs KKR weather forecast and pitch report

"You will need one more fast bowler. You can think about Anukul Roy because left-arm spin works against these opposition batters, but I would say don't think about him. Get another fast bowler because there might be slight help for the fast bowlers on the Chinnaswamy pitch that has been under covers for a long time, and the bounce is also slightly spongy these days," said Chopra in his YouTube channel.

Chopra also stated that Andre Russell and Rinku Singh need to bat up the order as they have the potential to create a greater impact. He reckoned that some times by the time the duo comes in, the game goes out of KKR's hands.

"In batting, figure out a way for Rahane and Raghuvanshi not to bat together. They will have to sort out the batting order and determine Russell and Rinku's entry point slightly early so that they make an impact on the match," added Chopra.