'Why did Trent Boult bowl only two overs?' - Aakash Chopra questions RR's bowling strategy following defeat versus GT

Gujarat Titans (GT) handed the table-toppers Rajasthan Royals (RR) their first defeat of IPL 2024 as they won the game at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur last night. GT successfully chased down a target of 197 runs and pulled off a win from a daunting situation.

Cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra, was confused by RR's bowling strategy, particularly regarding their premier pacer Trent Boult. While reviewing the game on his YouTube channel, Chopra questioned the team's decision to limit Boult to just two overs, despite the Kiwi's brilliant run.

"Why did Trent Boult bowl only two overs? I didn't understand that. Two overs, eight runs, and he bowled only two overs. Why? Keshav gave 16 runs in his two overs, so only 24 runs went in those four overs. Trent Boult could have been given overs in the middle but you didn't do that. You went towards spinners," the former India opener said.

Keshav Maharaj, who made his debut for the Royals, was given only two overs, conceding 16 runs. Chopra felt that Boult, who bowled two overs and gave eight runs, should have been given a longer spell to exploit the conditions.

"If you are bowling with a dry ball, then if you have scored enough runs, you should have the bowling to defend it. The truth is that Rajasthan has the bowling. They didn't play Nandre Burger but despite that, they have the bowling. Keshav Maharaj made his debut and they got him to bowl only two overs," he added.

Also read: Shubman Gill's witty reply to Harsha Bhogle post GT's victory over RR

I will praise Kuldeep Sen: Aakash Chopra

Praising Kuldeep Sen's three-wicket haul, Chopra noted that both the young pacer and Avesh Khan were found wanting in the final overs as GT chased down the target with three wickets.

"I will praise Kuldeep Sen because he picked up three wickets initially. However, towards the end, he succumbed to pressure. Avesh Khan was also bowling a decent over but then he conceded a boundary," Aakash further added.

The Titans needed 35 runs off the final two overs. While Sen (3/41 in four overs) conceded 20 runs in the penultimate over, Avesh (1/48 in four overs) gave away 17 runs in the final over, including a four off the last ball.

Also read: Sanju Samson fined for maintaining slow over rate against Gujarat Titans

Reflecting on the Royals' batting, Chopra lauded the partnership between captain Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag, who played a crucial role in propelling the team to a formidable total of 196/3. The commentator was particularly impressed by Samson's destructive approach against short-pitched deliveries.

Parag joined Samson in the middle when RR were reduced to 42/2 after 5.4 overs. While Parag smashed a 48-ball 76, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter scored an unbeaten 68 off 38 deliveries.

"When he plays, he plays extremely well. You can say elegant in capital letters, he looks so beautiful while playing. Riyan Parag was at the other end. Don't consider him a spark, the guy is an absolute fire," he concluded.