I don't think RCB should play Dan Christian at all against DC: Aakash Chopra

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has given his opinion on the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s ideal playing XI for their match against Delhi Capitals, which is set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. He made a point that Daniel Sams should replace the 37-year-old Dan Christian in the XI. 

Christian was bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 4.8 crores in the IPL 2021 auction, based on his experience of having won championship titles in T20 cricket across the globe. However, his performance in the IPL 2021 has been disappointing, to say the least. In the three innings which he has played so far, he has scored one run each and with the ball as well, he hasn’t picked up any wickets in his quota of overs. 

While making the preview of RCB’s game against Delhi, Aakash Chopra opined that Christian should be dropped and instead Daniel Sams should be picked. Sams is a left-arm bowler who has the capabilities of striking the ball a lot of distance. He missed out in the early part of the tournament as he was recovering from COVID-19. 

They should create a place for Rajat Patidar in this team: Aakash Chopra

“The RCB batting is not weak but a little short. They are playing Washington at No.3 only to lengthen the batting. Otherwise, Devdutt, Virat, Maxwell, and AB – there is no one at No.5. Washington or Dan Christian will have to play at No.5 and I don’t think RCB should play Dan Christian at all. They should think about playing Daniel Sams instead of Christian,” said Chopra during a video on his Youtube channel. 

The cricketer turned commentator, further said that the RCB team should make a way for Madhya Pradesh batsman Rajat Patidar. The right-handed batsman played a couple of matches but didn’t get a lot of runs, which resulted in him getting left out from the team. Chopra also excluded Navdeep Saini, pointing that RCB has to add an Indian batsman in his spot to attain proper balance in their XI against Delhi Capitals. 

“They should create a place for Rajat Patidar in this team. So Rajat Patidar after Padikkal and Kohli, then Maxwell and AB, at No.6 you have Washington Sundar, at No.7 you have Kyle Jamieson, Daniel Sams at No.8,” said Chopra.

Inspiring Story of Chetan Sakariya