Choosing between IPL 2022 and Bangladesh series will test loyalty of South African players: Aakash Chopra

Former Indian batter Aakash Chopra reckons South African players will have a tough decision to make between IPL 2022 and the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, which happens to take place in March and April. South Africa are scheduled to take on Bangladesh for a three match ODI series starting from March 18. The ODI games end by March 23 and it will be followed by two Tests starting from 31st March. The second Test starts on 8th of April and with the quaratine, the South African players would miss games at the start of IPL.

Notably, Cricket South Africa has allowed the players to decided whether to take part in IPL or rather play the Bangladesh series. IPL 2022 starts on Match 26 with the opening encounter between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan has already stated his unavailability for this IPL season despite putting his name up in the mega auction, and he did not bag a contract this year subsequently.

Extremely necessary for the Gujarat Titans to play David Miller: Aakash Chopra

Chopra explained that the South Africa player’s decision to choose between IPL and country might test their loyalty and pointed out the dates of the Bangladesh Series that will collide with the start of IPL. Quinton de Kock who will play only the ODIs, will be available for Lucknow Super Giants after a three day quaratine and there will be chances for him to miss atleast two to three games.

“South Africa have said that they will tell the players that they have the option, let’s test your loyalty to the nation. Very difficult question to address because the ODI series will start on March 18, the IPL is starting on March 26 and there is a three-day quarantine before that. The three ODIs are on March 18, 20 and 23. Quinton de Kock is an important member here, so he might not be available for the first match. Lucknow Super Giants – think about it, unless he decides to miss those ODIs,” Aakash Chopra said on his Youtube Channel

Chopra added that David Miller’s availability will be a huge concern for Gujarat Titans who have a lot of holes in their lineup and noted the South African Test players who might miss out. Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad will combinedly miss four players while Punjab Kings could miss Kagiso Rabada ,who has a big role to play.

“David Miller is also in the ODI team – it is extremely necessary for the Gujarat Titans to play him but he might not be available at the start. The problems increase after that, there are two Test matches – the first one starts on March 31 and the second ends on April 12. That means Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram – all of them are part of the IPL but will probably not be available at the start if they choose to play the Test matches,” he added