‘That’s a big question’ – Former KKR opener suggests one change ahead of do-or-die DC clash

Former India and Kolkata Knight Riders batter Aakash Chopra has called for the inclusion of Ramandeep Singh in place of the injured Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who is set to miss their crunch clash against the Delhi Capitals on Sunday, May 24, at the Eden Gardens. 

Raghuvanshi picked up a finger injury along with a concussion when he collided with Varun Chakravarthy while attempting a catch in the previous game against the Mumbai Indians. He has sustained a fracture to his finger and was subbed out for Tejasvi Dahiya due to the concussion. The Mumbai man has been the three-time champions’ most reliable batter in the IPL, scoring 422 runs at a strike rate of 146.52, with five half-centuries.

Chopra has opined that Raghuvanshi’s absence would be a vital blow for KKR and that Dahiya was unable to get going on debut. The highly rated wicketkeeper-batter from Delhi scored a 12-ball 11 when he played against MI. 

“KKR have been hurt badly as Angkrish Raghuvanshi isn’t there. That will be a problem for sure. Who will come in place of Angkrish, and that’s a big question. Manish Pandey played. Tejasvi Dahiya would have to be played now. Tejasvi Dahiya didn’t look that good, but the balls were very few,” Chopra said, speaking on his YouTube channel.

He added that it would be better for the Knight Riders to give the spot to Ramandeep Singh, who comes in with proven IPL experience. He also stated that in the absence of Raghuvanshi, runs from skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s bat would be vital. 

“I am not going to jump to any conclusion, but you will miss Angkrish Raghuvanshi if Ajinkya Rahane doesn’t score runs, which he is not scoring at this point in time. So Ajju [Rahane] and Tejasvi will be two assets you don’t have confidence in thus far. Maybe play Ramandeep this match in place of Tejasvi. He fields well, and he has got more experience,” he added.

The Knight Riders are in dire need of a dominant victory against the Capitals, which would ensure their place in the playoffs. They also await the results from the afternoon game, where a Rajasthan Royals win would mean curtains for their campaign.