The playoffs race of (Indian Premier League) has finally ended, but the top four teams will continue to battle for the top two spots in the tournament, as it will give them an added advantage going into those crucial games. Former India opener Aakash Chopra opened up on how the positions of each team can change as the tournament progresses.
The 47-year-old commentator spoke about some of the matches to watch out for at the business end of the league. According to Chopra, the MI vs PBKS and RCB vs SRH games could determine the top two finishers in the tournament. Chopra has also backed Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to be the party spoilers in the last phase of the league matches, citing the number of match-winners present in their squad.
“A change is coming. RCB vs PBKS – I think one of them drops a game. MI vs PBKS is also crucial. Don’t rule out SRH – they beat LSG and have game-changers. One big innings, like Marsh’s today, can shake things up. I won’t be surprised if the top four look completely different,” Chopra spoke exclusively on JioHotstar.
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Furthermore, supported his point by referencing the upcoming game between RCB and SRH, set to take place on 23 May at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Although Chopra claimed it might not be a high-scoring game, he noted the difference in ground size compared to the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where the game was originally scheduled, before unfavourable weather reports forced a change of venue.
“Don’t expect a high-scoring game – Ekana won’t allow it. It’s a big ground, not Chinnaswamy. But it’ll still be a good contest. Don’t count out SRH. That said, the dice is loaded in favour of the team Virat Kohli plays for,” Chopra concluded.
