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'There was Some Miscalculation...,' Aakash Chopra Questions Sanju Samson

image-lh0cg0clRR outsmarted CSK for the second time in IPL 2023 (AP Photo)

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed his disappointment over Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson's handling of his bowling resources in his side’s clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

While the Royals put up an impressive target of 203 runs for the opposition after opting to bat first, their bowlers did a commendable job in restricting the four-time champions to 170/6, thereby securing a crucial 32-run victory and taking over the top spot on the IPL 2023 points table.



Analyzing RR's bowling performance in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra lauded Australian spinner Adam Zampa for his stellar three-wicket haul, which included the dismissals of Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Moeen Ali. 

However, he questioned Samson's decision to not to give Zampa his full quota of overs, as the bowler bowled just three overs despite his impressive performance.

"They played Adam Zampa, who picked up three wickets, the most important of which was Devon Conway, and then he dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad and picked up another wicket later. Zampa bowled only three overs, which was slightly surprising."Sanju had more than five bowling options for the first time and he also got stuck," said Chopra.

The renowned commentator also expressed his dissatisfaction with the way Jason Holder was utilized by Samson, as the West Indian all-rounder went wicketless and conceded 49 runs in his full quota of four overs.

"There was some miscalculation that he didn't get Zampa to bowl his full quota of overs. Jason Holder conceded nearly 50 runs in his four overs but he was bowled his entire quota," added the erstwhile cricketer.

On the other hand, Chopra was all praises for the performances of Sandeep Sharma and Kuldip Yadav, who shared seven overs between them and conceded six runs per over. 

Despite the criticism, RR emerged victorious in the match and are now tied with CSK with five wins and three losses each. However, RR's superior net run rate has propelled them to the top of the IPL 2023 points table.