Former India batsman Aakash Chopra opened up about the clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and Rajasthan Royals (RR) express fast bowler Joffra Archer. The cricketer turned commentator said that two lethal fast bowlers can single-handedly destroy the opposition batting lineup.
Gujarat Titans will face Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026 on Friday, May 29. The high-pressure knockout match will be played at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The winner will book a place in the final against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Kagiso Rabada is proper fire, but Joffra Archer is no less – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra praised the impact of Kagiso Rabada and Jofra Archer ahead of Qualifier 2. Chopra said GT head coach Ashish Nehra and RR bowling coach Shane Bond would have encouraged their fast bowlers to focus on pace and tough lengths rather than slower balls.
“GT has taken 31 wickets in the powerplay. RR is not too far behind. They have also taken 29 wickets. Kagiso Rabada is bowling like fire. Bhai is proper fire, but Joffra is no less. He is also bowling at 150 kmph. I think both the bowling coaches have whispered something in his ears, that he should bowl longer balls more quickly, and stay away from slower balls,” Chopra said.
He said, “Both were guilty of this. Jofra used to bowl leg-cutter variations and Kagiso Rabada used off-cutter variations. This time there is clarity in the roles. Shane Bond might have spoken to Jofra, and it could be Ashish Nehra’s input for Kagiso Rabada.”
Rabada has been one of the best performers for Gujarat Titans this season, taking 26 wickets in 15 innings at an economy rate of 9.48. Archer has taken 24 wickets in 15 matches at an economy rate of 9.17. Both fast bowlers are expected to play an important role in Qualifier 2.
What about Rashid Khan? – Aakash Chopra questions GT’s powerplay plans
Aakash Chopra also questioned whether Rashid Khan should be used at the beginning of the innings. The former India batsman said that if the Titans fail to dismiss Rajasthan Royals openers Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal early, they may need to bring the Afghan spinner into the attack during the powerplay.
He said, “What about Rashid Khan? Rashid Khan has taken wickets, but he rarely bowls in the powerplay. Would you like to bring him in early this time? If Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal do not get out early, would you like to bring him in a little early? That is something that they should think about.”
Rashid is one of the most important bowlers of Gujarat Titans. The leg spinner has taken 19 wickets in 15 innings this season at an economy rate of 8.77. Although he is rarely used during the powerplay, his ability to break partnerships could make him a key factor in Qualifier 2.
Yashraj Punja has flown under the radar – Aakash Chopra praises RR spinner
Aakash Chopra also praised Rajasthan Royals spinner Yashraj Punja for his excellent performance this season. Chopra said that the young leg spinner has not received much attention, but he has consistently performed well for his team with his versatility and wicket-taking ability.
Chopra said, “On one side there is the charismatic Khan, who has a lot of experience, but Yashraj Punja has come under the radar. Ever since he came, his performance has been extremely commendable. He bowls at a good height and has a high-arm action. He doesn’t just bowl fast. He also bowls a little slow and he is a wicket-taker as well.”
Yashraj Punja is the first UAE-born cricketer to play in the IPL. The 19-year-old leg spinner has taken nine wickets in seven innings this season at an economy rate of 8.92.
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