IPL 2025: Aakash Chopra Predicts Yashasvi Jaiswal Comeback Against PBKS, Urges RR to Back the Opener

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has thrown his weight behind Rajasthan Royals’ young opening batter. He has his say about Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of their crucial IPL 2025 clash against Punjab Kings. The openning batter had a lackluster start to the season. Chopra believes Jaiswal is due for a big knock as RR prepare to face PBKS in Mullanpur.

Chopra Stands by Jaiswal Amid Early-Season Struggles

Rajasthan Royals haven’t enjoyed the best start to their IPL 2025 campaign. They suffered defeats in their opening two games to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders. Thereafter, Sanju Samson-led side bounced back with a strong win over Chennai Super Kings. However, concerns remain about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form at the top of the order.

The left-hander, who had a stellar IPL 2023 and 2024 season, has only managed scores of 1, 29, and 4 in his first three outings this year. Addressing Jaiswal’s form, Aakash Chopra said the youngster remains key to RR’s batting fortunes.

“The last match was a near-perfect game for Rajasthan Royals, although Yashasvi Jaiswal still didn’t score runs. It’s extremely important for runs to come from Yashasvi’s bat. He hasn’t played a single good knock thus far, and that’s a concern,” Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.

Chopra highlighted the importance of consistent openers in the T20 format and expressed confidence in Jaiswal bouncing back with a big performance against Punjab Kings.

‘Don’t Change Anything’ – Chopra’s Advice to PBKS

While analyzing the PBKS setup, Aakash Chopra advised the team management to continue with the winning combination that they used in their victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Chopra praised the leadership duo of Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting and credited their influence on the team’s strong start to the season.

“The Iyer and Punter (Ponting) pair is doing very well. Their performances have been fantastic. They shouldn’t change anything. The combination they used against LSG — dropping Azmatullah Omarzai and playing Nehal Wadhera — worked well for them,” Chopra stated.

He emphasized that tinkering with a settled side could backfire, especially in a long tournament like the IPL where momentum plays a key role.

Rajasthan Royals Look to Build on Momentum

With one win from three games, RR find themselves in a tricky position early in the tournament. Skipper Sanju Samson has returned to full fitness and is back behind the stumps, a move that Chopra believes adds balance to the side.

“Sanju Samson returning as a captain and wicketkeeper is a positive sign. A keeper is always involved in the game and gets a better understanding of the pitch and conditions before going in to bat,” he explained.

Royals are gearing up for a potentially high-scoring game in Mullanpur. All eyes will be on Yashasvi Jaiswal to step up and silence the critics. If the young southpaw can get going, Rajasthan Royals will fancy their chances of picking up their second win. They will be looking to climb up the IPL 2025 points table.

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