Aakash Chopra suggests a change in DC’s starting XI for IPL 2025 clash vs PBKS

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has urged Delhi Capitals to keep Ashutosh Sharma in the playing XI in the all-important clash against Punjab Kings at Dharamsala on Thursday. Chopra reckons the lower middle-order batter is batting better than Karun Nair and Abishek Sharma, who have got consistent chances at the top of the order but have not delivered.

Ashutosh has been mostly playing as an impact player for Delhi Capitals in the ongoing season. The right-hander also saved DC from the blushes as he scored 41 runs off just 26 balls in the last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad and helped his team post a fighting total of 133 runs on the board. However, rain played spoilsport in that game as both teams shared a point.

“Keep Ashutosh in the XI. You keep Ashutosh out even while batting first, that you would bring him in as an impact sub. Then you bring him after Vipraj Nigam. He is batting better than Karun Nair and Abishek Porel, and is doing consistent batting,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

Chopra reckons Ashutosh Sharma could deliver even better for DC if he is given a batting promotion.

“Keep him in the XI so that you don’t wait for him to come. Why bring him in when everyone gets out? He might be able to control the match if you send him earlier,” he observed

The renowned commentator said he hasn’t been able to understand Delhi Capitals’ batting order as there has been a lot of chop and change.

“What’s the system of your batting order? I haven’t understood your batting order this entire season. They have probably used six opening pairs. I can’t figure out what they want to do. If any team’s opening is not consistent, qualification becomes difficult even if you win the first four games,” he said.

Chopra wants DC to open the innings with KL Rahul and said Axar Patel’s team will strengthen their chances of winning if they do that.

“What’s the system of your batting order? I haven’t understood your batting order this entire season. They have probably used six opening pairs. I can’t figure out what they want to do. If any team’s opening is not consistent, qualification becomes difficult even if you win the first four games,” he said.