'Please play a little cautiously' - Aakash Chopra's key advice to Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of RR-GT tie

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra opined that Yashasvi Jaiswal should adopt a more circumspect approach with the willow during the upcoming Rajasthan Royals (RR) versus Gujarat Titans (GT) clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Wednesday, April 10.

Jaiswal came of age during the Indian Premier League (IPL) last year as he amassed 625 runs from 14 matches at a staggering average of 48.08 and a remarkable strike rate of 163.61. Shortly after his phenomenal IPL stint, the southpaw went on to make his debut for India in Tests as well as T20Is and scored a plethora of runs.

It was expected that the RR batter would hit the ground running in the ongoing edition of the IPL, but unfortunately, he has not been able to play anywhere near his full potential. In the first four matches, the 22-year-old has scored 39 runs, including a duck in the last game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, the cricketer-turned-commentator Chopra suggested that Jaiswal should mix caution with his aggression in the upcoming game against Gujarat.

“My first player in focus, who has been there since the first match and has become even more now, because Yashasvi Jaiswal, my brother, it's been many matches, hit now. The way you are getting out against left-arm pacers when they bowl short balls, you might get a left-arm pacer in this team, if they wish to play Spencer Johnson or Joshua Little,” he reasoned in a video on his YouTube channel.

“So they might trouble you again by bowling short balls. So please play a little cautiously because no one has spoken about it thus far, and I am still saying that based on the performances in the first seven matches, a question shouldn't be raised over your place with regard to the T20 World Cup. However, people will say something, their job is to talk,” the former India opener added.

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The second player I am seeing in focus for this particular game is Riyan Parag: Aakash Chopra

Chopra pointed out that the Titans have a strong spin-bowling attack at their disposal, comprising Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. Also, there is a possibility of R Sai Kishore being picked in this game. Therefore, the 46-year-old reckoned that the in-form Riyan Parag will hold the key in the middle overs against the spinners.

“The second player I am seeing in focus for this particular game is Riyan Parag because the opposing team will throw a lot of spin at you. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will be there in that and it won't be a big deal if they play Sai Kishore as well in this match,” Chopra explained.

“Then you will need stability in the middle order. If you have to neutralize spin a little, you will have to look towards Indian players. That player, in my opinion, will be Riyan Parag. So we shall find out whether we will get to see Parag's fire or not,” he added.

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Chopra went on to name Nandre Burger as the third player in focus for the first-ever IPL champions. The South African speedster has made a mark in what is just his first season in the 10-team league. In four matches, he has bagged six wickets at 20.67.

“The opposing team's biggest player is at the top. The cream is right at the top. It includes Shubman Gill, Kane Williamson, Sai Sudharsan and Wriddhiman Saha, who will play if he is fit. So if you have to make the initial attack - Nandre Burger or Trent Boult. I am going with Nandre Burger because he has slightly more pace,” he mentioned.