Trent Boult is looking to lead Rajasthan Royals from the front: Nikhil Chopra

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have impressed with their performances in IPL 2022, securing three wins in their first five matches. The team has witnessed balanced performances from both departments, which was certainly a one-off affair in the previous editions of the tournament. The former cricketer and one of the Hindi commentators of IPL 2022, Nikhil Chopra spoke about the form of RR and a few of their key players in this season.

Chopra hailed the delivery of Trent Boult to dismiss KL Rahul during RR’s fixture against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) earlier in the tournament. He thinks that the Kiwi pacer has been intelligent to form a different plan for each batter, and has used his experience well to pick wickets in a consistent manner. Chopra felt that Boult is looking to lead the team from the front and is displaying the will to win the matches, which he observed in his body language. In total, Boult has picked seven wickets in the tournament so far.

“The way Trent Boult delivered an in-swing ball to dismiss KL Rahul was terrific. I like what he is doing this time, he is planning to bowl to different batters with different sorts of game plans. All the experience, that he has over the years, he is putting all into this tournament. When he is out there with that body language, it is clearly evident that he is looking to lead from the front and wanting to win the match for the team with the ball,” said Nikhil Chopra on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket Show’ on CricTracker.

Riyan Parag lost the Golden opportunity: Nikhil Chopra

Chopra thinks the middle-order batter of RR, Riyan Parag lost the golden opportunity to score crucial runs for the team in their last league fixture against Gujarat Titans (GT), where he was dismissed for 18 off 16 balls. He reckoned that there was significant time left, when he came at the crease and could have been a match-winner for the team. Chopra urged him to switch on his mind, and do well, otherwise he can lose his place in the team.

“In the last game, he (Riyan Parag) had that opportunity. When he came out to bat, around 55 balls were still left. When you’re batting at this position, if the team is doing well, you will get at most 10-15 balls, but when the team is under pressure, it is certainly an opportunity to score more and secure a victory for the team. I felt that it was a golden opportunity for Parag to earn a reputation as a finisher and match-winner. He has to mentally switch on,” Chopra added.

Meanwhile, Parag was dismissed for five off three balls in ongoing fixture between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders, and failed to provide the late impetus.