‘It will be a highly competitive IPL’ – Aakash Chopra reflects on Rajasthan Royals’ chances ahead of IPL 2024

Rajasthan Royals. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to kick off on March 22, with the 10 franchises aiming to get their hands on the coveted title. One of the biggest favourites for the title could be the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals. 

Led by Sanju Samson, the side reached the summit clash of the competition in 2022 but failed to go all the way, losing to Gujarat Titans in the final. Furthermore, they failed to make it to the knockout stages of the IPL in 2023, finishing in fifth place in the standings. As the 17th edition of the competition approaches, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra takes centre stage and reflects on Rajasthan Royals’ chances in the IPL 2024. Chopra opined that it would be a shame for the side if they failed to reach the knockout stages once again. 

“It is a good team; there is no doubt about that. That’s why I feel it will be a highly competitive IPL. It’s a shame if this team doesn’t qualify for the playoffs this time as well,” Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

“If you have Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal, and then if you have Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag is batting alright, Rovman Powell, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Trent Boult – of course all overseas won’t be able to play – but they are a good team,” he added.

Is it a side that can lift the trophy? They can do that: Chopra

Furthermore, Aakash Chopra also talked of how Rajasthan Royals can win the IPL in 2024, but they will have to make full use of the impact player rule, something that they failed to do in 2023.

“They have Avesh Khan as well. Is it a side that can lift the trophy? They can do that; it’s a good team, but whether they would lift the trophy or not will depend on whether they will use the Impact Player or not,” he said. 

Also Read: Yuzvendra Chahal features in Rajasthan Royals’ official matchday jersey reveal for IPL 2024

“The last time they said they wouldn’t use the Impact Player, that cricket used to be an 11-player game and they would play with 11 only, that they would play with six batters and five bowlers, neither would they have a sixth bowler nor a seventh batter,” Chopra added.