Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on Delhi Capitals’ potential challenges for the upcoming IPL 2025. Chopra highlighted that Jake Fraser-McGurk’s poor form is a concern for the team. The young Australian was able to hog the limelight in the previous season as he scored 330 runs in nine innings at an average of 36.67 and a blistering strike rate of 234.04.
But since the IPL 2024, the right-hander hasn’t been in the best of forms. He has scored 98 runs in seven ODIs at an average of 14 whereas he has managed only 113 runs in the same number of T20Is at an average of 16.14.
“The problem with Jake Fraser-McGurk is that he does not have form. He hasn’t scored runs since the last IPL. How will it work if you don’t score runs? You played cricket in multiple places but didn’t score runs anywhere. You play high-risk cricket and did very well last year due to which they bought you back, but what is the benefit if you don’t play well this time?” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
The cricket analyst also noted the likes of Ashutosh Sharma and Sameer Rizvi lack experience in the lower order.
“In the lower order, Tristan Stubbs is, of course, trustworthy. However, then Ashutosh Sharma and Sameer Rizvi. Can they actually do what they are asked to do? Can Ashutosh Sharma replicate his last year’s performances? Can it be a huge season for Sameer Rizvi? You are trying to get two uncapped Indians to do the finishing,” he observed.
On the other hand, Chopra also questioned KL Rahul’s batting position after Faf du Plessis was named as Axar Patel’s deputy.
“The biggest challenge has come due to Faf du Plessis becoming the vice-captain. I am unable to understand this team’s batting order a little. What is KL Rahul’s batting order? You have taken a Ferrari and are asking it to be driven in Chandni Chowk. How will a Ferrari run there?” he said.
Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giant at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on 24th March.