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Aakash Chopra Questions RR's No. 8 Batting Crisis After Sam Curran Injury

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has identified a critical weakness for the Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026, stemming from the likely season-long injury to key all-rounder Sam Curran. He specifically questions who will reliably bat at the crucial number 8 position, suggesting the team might have to rely on bowler Nandre Burger. Despite this concern, Chopra praised the team's explosive batting firepower and versatile bowling attack across all phases. He also highlighted the new season as a significant opportunity for captain Riyan Parag and young Indian batters to make their mark.

Key Points: Aakash Chopra Flags Rajasthan Royals' Major Weakness for IPL 2026

  • Sam Curran's injury a major setback
  • Batting depth concern at No. 8
  • Praise for explosive top order
  • Big opportunity for new captain Riyan Parag
2 min read

'Who will bat at number 8?': Aakash Chopra flags major concern for RR ahead of IPL 2026

Aakash Chopra highlights Rajasthan Royals' lack of a strong No. 8 batter as a major concern following Sam Curran's injury ahead of IPL 2026.

"Sam Curran's absence has made the challenge much bigger. Who will bat at No. 8? - Aakash Chopra"

New Delhi, March 21

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra flagged out major concerns for the 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 19th season of the Indian Premier League, which will start on March 28.

In a video shared on X, Chopra reviewed the RR squad and pointed out their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for IPL 2026.

Rajasthan have suffered a big setback before the season, as all-rounder Sam Curran is likely to miss the entire tournament due to a groin injury, according to ESPNcricinfo. Curran was in excellent form during the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

According to Chopra, Curran's absence could hurt Rajasthan's chances, as they may again face the issue of not having a strong No. 8 batter in the playing XI.

"Sam Curran's absence has made the challenge much bigger. Who will bat at No. 8? Will that problem trouble them once again? They might have to play Nandre Burger," Chopra said in a video released on X.

However, the former right-handed batter praised the team's batting and bowling units, saying they have options for every phase of the game and strong hitters who can dominate from the start.

"Rajasthan Royals have explosive firepower in their batting. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Daniel Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jofra Archer," he said.

"Even in the pace-bowling department, you have bowlers who can operate across different phases. Burger with the new ball... along with Jofra Archer, Sandeep, and Tushar; there's also a bowler in Maphaka. The spin department has also improved. Compared to last year, Jadeja and Bishnoi are very impressive," he added.

Chopra also believes this season is a big opportunity for new captain Riyan Parag to prove himself.

"It's a good opportunity for the captain to make a name for himself... Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal could end up wearing the Orange Cap. Vaibhav Suryavanshi could shine. As for batting, the team's strategy will be to keep attacking consistently, while in bowling, the focus will be on picking wickets early and again in the middle overs," Chopra concluded.

Rajasthan will play their first match on March 30 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, RR's batting looks scary deep even without Curran. Jadeja at 7 is solid. The concern is valid but maybe overblown? Their bigger issue is always the middle-order consistency. Jaiswal and Jurel are key.
A
Ananya R
Losing Curran is a massive blow, yaar. He was our clutch player. But Chopra sir is right, this is Riyan Parag's moment. He's been with RR for years, time to lead from the front. Excited for Vaibhav Suryavanshi too! #HallaBol
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think the analysis focuses too much on batting order. Our bowling with Archer, Bishnoi, and Jadeja looks top-class. If they take early wickets, the number 8 batter won't even need to come in. Defence wins tournaments.
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Kriti O
The season hasn't even started and we are already worried! Have some faith in the management. They bought Maphaka for a reason. Maybe he can bat a bit? Let's support the team. First match against CSK will tell us everything.
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David E
Interesting point about the number 8. In modern T20, the line between a bowler who can bat and a proper all-rounder is thin. Nandre Burger has shown some hitting ability. RR might just surprise everyone with their team balance.

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