'If only Shakib were a Kiwi' - Aakash Chopra's sly dig at KKR management for picking Tim Seifert over Shakib Al Hasan

The 45^th match of the Indian Premier League is taking place between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings. As soon as the proceeding of the match began, it came to the notice of fans that Andre Russell is injured and as an overseas replacement has to be roped in, New Zealand’s Tim Seifert was given a chance in the playing XI.

In the same light of events, former cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra took a sly dig at KKR management. It is known that Bangladesh’s ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan is in the squad of KKR and has yet not got his rightful chance so far.

Chopra added that Hasan could’ve got his chance easily instead of Seifert but management chose to go with the Kiwi player. It has to be noted that the head coach of KKR is New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum and even Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee are part of their squad. Hence, Chopra felt that there has been an inclination towards Kiwi players and took to his Twitter handle to express his opinion.

“If only Shakib were a Kiwi. #IPL2021” tweeted Aakash Chopra.

If only Shakib were a Kiwi… #IPL2021

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 1, 2021

Talking about KKR vs PBKS game, Kolkata is sitting at the fourth position and will take this game with full vigour to turn it in their favour. If KKR wins the game, their chances of playoffs will become more whereas PBKS will try to better up their position.

Chris Gayle leaves PBKS a day before their clash against KKR

Talking about the PBKS squad, it was only a day back that star hitter Chris Gayle left the bio-bubble to avoid bubble fatigue and get refreshed ahead of T20 World Cup 2021.

“Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI bubble, CPL bubble followed by the IPL bubble, and I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself,” said Gayle while speaking to Cricbuzz.

Winning the toss, PBKS have chosen to show up with the ball first. KKR batters are playing at 21 runs with the loss of one wicket (at the time of writing) with Venkatesh Iyer and Rahul Tripathi.