'Shikhar Dhawan played for a long time but played quite slowly' - Aakash Chopra highlights key factors leading to Punjab’s loss to RCB

Following the recent IPL 2024 encounter between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), esteemed commentator Aakash Chopra shared his insights on PBKS's defeat. The match, held on Monday, March 25, saw PBKS setting RCB a target of 177 runs, a total that fell short for the visiting team.

In a candid video analysis, Chopra highlighted key factors contributing to PBKS's loss. He noted PBKS's struggle to accelerate their innings, specifically mentioning Shikhar Dhawan's cautious approach despite his extended stay at the crease.

"Punjab were asked to bat first and Punjab just could not get going. Jonny Bairstow was looking good but he got out. Shikhar Dhawan played for a long time but played quite slowly, considering the circumstances. After that, a lot of people got small starts but no one was able to do the job," Chopra remarked in his YouTube commentary.

While acknowledging Shashank Singh's quickfire unbeaten 21 off just eight balls as a commendable effort in boosting PBKS's score, Chopra stressed that their total fell below expectations.

"They sent Sam Curran down the order slightly. Sam will probably go up the order only if Shikhar gets out. They want to keep a left-hander in the middle. Jitesh Sharma was looking good but short bowling was used very well, whether it was Mohammed Siraj or Yash Dayal," Chopra said.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli can't control his laughter at Shikhar Dhawan's duplicate, video goes viral

"To be very honest, the runs they scored were enough to fight but were probably not enough to win. In fact, Shikhar came later and said as well that they were short of runs. Shashank Singh was praiseworthy. If he had not scored 20 runs in the last over, you wouldn't have reached a fighting total as well," Chopra added.

I agree runs were less but the bowling was also extremely ordinary: Chopra 

Chopra didn't shy away from critiquing PBKS's bowling display, deeming it "extremely ordinary." He pinpointed instances where PBKS bowlers erred, allowing RCB's batters to exploit loose deliveries and take control of the game.

"I agree runs were less but the bowling was also extremely ordinary. It wasn't Shikhar's fault. Sam Curran dismissed Anuj Rawat and then conceded two fours by bowling on the legs. Then Harshal Patel came and bowled full tosses, and short and wide as well. Very ordinary bowling towards the end," he concluded.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Top 10 Memes from RCB vs PBKS, Match 6