Former cricketer Aakash Chopra backed CSK batter Ambati Rayudu to perform well in the Qualifier 1 against GT, despite his underwhelming campaign in IPL 2023.
Rayudu has been a stalwart for CSK in the middle-order over the past few seasons in the IPL, with some crucial and match-winning knocks in the past few seasons.
However, IPL 2023 has been one to forget for the CSK batter as he has struggled to be amongst the runs. In 14 matches that he has played this season, Rayudu has only scored 122 runs at an average of 15.25 and a strike-rate of 127.08.
“They have the depth in batting. There is no doubt about that. Ambati Rayudu hasn’t scored runs thus far but this could be his match because he might play Rashid Khan well,” said Chopra.
Ajinkya Rahane is someone who enjoyed a lot of success coming in at No.3 for CSK. But Chopra feels that the Mumbai batter may not come in at the spot because of the pitch, as Rahane’s numbers at Chepauk aren’t great.
“One thing we have seen with Chennai’s team is that they are not sending Ajinkya Rahane regularly at no.3. This pitch is not suiting him. Ajinkya Rahane’s numbers are extremely ordinary at Chepauk. That is why he is moved below No. 3. They didn’t get Moeen Ali to bowl in the last match and his batting is not going well. So, I see it as a minor concern,” said Chopra.
