'Ben Stokes is the best all-rounder but not God' - Aakash Chopra warns Rajasthan Royals (RR)

After starting off their IPL 2020 campaign with two consecutive victories, Rajasthan Royals have slumped by suffering three successive defeats. Many fans believe that the franchise’s over-reliance on their top-order has contributed to their recent failure.

The likes of Steve Smith, Sanju Samson, and Jos Buttler have not maintained consistency and an inexperienced middle-order has failed to stitch a crucial stand in the middle. Talking about RR’s bowling department, Jofra Archer has been the only one who has impressed so far.

RR’s middle-order is still looking a little brittle: Aakash Chopra

With Ben Stokes’ return, RR are hoping to get back to winning ways and ultimately book a Playoffs berth. Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has pointed out Royals’ poor middle-order. Chopra also mentioned that while Stokes might be the best all-rounder today, he could be left to do things alone like Jos Buttler was against Mumbai Indians.

“Their middle order is still looking a little brittle. They are waiting for Ben Stokes but can all the things be set right as soon as he comes. He is a very good player, he is the best all-rounder in the world but not God, that thing will have to be kept in mind. If other people do not do well like Buttler was left alone in this match, Ben Stokes might also be left alone,” Chopra said on his Youtube channel.

Chopra also opined that RR skipper Steve Smith should take time in the middle instead of going for big shots at the start. Talking on Sanju Samson’s poor run with the willow, Chopra said that the wicketkeeper-batsman is facing trouble against bouncers.

“Steve Smith is trying to hit hard, trying to play out of character. I am sure he is feeling the pressure that he is the captain and that they need to chase 195 but you expect from Smith’s class that he will keep standing and catch up later. Sanju is getting out to bouncers. There is no problem in getting out but if you are getting out to bouncers, Sanju will be getting a lot of bouncers to face. So he could have problems on big grounds,” he added.