IPL 2024: Aakash Chopra Slams CSK for Selecting Out-of-Form Ajinkya Rahane in Playing XI

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has criticized the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for their team selection and batting order following their 35-run defeat against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL.

The cricketer-turned-commentator specifically targeted Ajinkya Rahane, who was included as the Impact substitute and opened the innings for CSK. Rahane could only manage 1 run, putting the team on the backfoot early.

Chopra highlighted the impact of Rahane’s dismissal, stating:

“Rahane’s wicket impacted the team’s performance…Ruturaj also departed for a duck. It was 10-3 and CSK lost the plot.”

Aakash Chopra further questioned the logic behind picking out-of-form Ajinkya Rahane over a youngster like Sameer Rizvi.

“Nobody knows Rahane’s role in the team. Why have you been persisting with him for so long? Sameer Rizvi could’ve batted for you,” he opined.

Ajinkya Rahane has managed to score just 209 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 120 and an average of 19. He is yet to score a half-century this season.

The former cricketer also criticized CSK’s decision to send in-form skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, currently ranked second in the Orange Cap standings, at number 3.

“You sent Rachin Ravindra to open but Rahane accompanied him. The fans must be thinking that since Ruturaj was consistently scoring as an opener, why did he bat late?”

With this loss, CSK finds themselves at number four in the points table. The team will need to address their batting form and selection issues before their next game against Rajasthan Royals. It will be a must-win game for them, if they are to climb back up the standings and stay alive in the playoffs race.