Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has questioned Kolkata Knight Riders’ batting order ahead of their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday. Chopra wants the team’s vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer to bat higher in the order.
Iyer has been batting at number five after he was bought for a whopping amount of INR 23.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The renowned cricket analyst wants the Madhya Pradesh batter to either open the innings or bat at one down.
Currently, Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine are opening the innings for KKR whereas captain Ajinkya Rahane is batting at number three with young Angkrish Raghuvanshi at number four.
“When I look at it from Kolkata’s perspective, I feel they should correct their batting order. The batting order needs to be sorted out because I am unable to understand their batting order. You have Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine – that’s okay. However, (Ajinkya) Rahane comes at No. 3 and Angkrish Raghuvanshi at No. 4,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“Did you give so much money to Venkatesh Iyer to bat at No. 5? He is a No. 3 batter. If possible, you could even open with him. However, you are sending him at No. 5. It means you have taken a Ferrari but are saying you would drive it in Chandni Chowk or Crawford Market. If you have taken a Ferrari, send it quickly to the race track,” he added.
Chopra further questioned KKR’s tactics in deciding the batting order against Mumbai Indians when they included Manish Pandey as an impact substitute.
“If Venkatesh Iyer goes to No. 5, then Rinku Singh at No. 6, Andre Russell at No. 7, and Ramandeep Singh at No. 8. You brought in Manish Pandey that day (against the Mumbai Indians), so Ramandeep at No. 9. I don’t get that,” Chopra observed.
The renowned commentator said KKR can afford to drop Angkrish Raghuvanshi and feels the franchise can either use him or Manish Pandey as an impact sub as and when required.
“The responsibilities will have to be changed a little. I feel you can actually leave Angkrish Raghuvanshi out, that you will use him only if you need him. Otherwise, you will let him go. It’s okay. You don’t need that much batting. You can have Ramandeep at No. 7, and if it’s still required after that, you can bring in Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Manish Pandey, whoever you wish,” he said.
KKR has managed a solitary win in three matches of IPL 2025.
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