Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has backed Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler to deliver the goods for Rajasthan Royals in the forthcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Jaiswal has been in exemplary form in the ongoing Test series against England as he has amassed 655 runs in four Test matches at an impressive average of 93.57.
Furthermore, Jaiswal scored 625 runs in 14 matches of IPL 2023 at an average of 48.08 and delivered while batting at the top of the order.
On the other hand, Jos Buttler scored 398 runs in 14 matches of the previous season at an average of 28. Meanwhile, Buttler batted at his best while playing for Paarl Royals in SA20, scoring 408 in 11 matches at an average of 40.80.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “I feel Rajasthan’s opening combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler is amazing. It could actually be ranked No. 1. I am saying that firstly because of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s current form. It means his 600-plus IPL season is almost loading.”
The renowned commentator also backed Jos Buttler to deliver the goods for the inaugural IPL champions.
“When you head into a tournament with such confidence, you bat at a different level, which he did last year as well, but will do with more maturity this year. Along with him Jos Buttler, who had a very ordinary season last year. After that, he did well in the SA20, and for how long will you keep Buttler quiet?” Chopra stated.
Meanwhile, Chopra predicted CSK’s opening duo of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway to be the second-best pair in the upcoming IPL. While Conway scored 672 runs in IPL 2023, Gaikwad amassed 590 runs and thus the opening pair played a key role in taking CSK to glory.
“At No. 2, I am going towards consistency. You might get more consistency from Chennai because they have Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Although Devon Conway’s recent form hasn’t been great, something happens to him as soon as he reaches Chennai.”
“Ruturaj Gaikwad must also be itching because he hasn’t played much cricket from the last IPL until now. It could be the most consistent kind of pair. It might not be very explosive but you can keep it towards the top in terms of consistency,” Chopra observed.
IPL 2024 will begin with the reigning champions CSK taking on RCB at Chennai.
