Aakash Chopra questions Delhi Capitals’ playing combination, shares surprise over T Natarajan’s exclusion

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra questioned Delhi Capitals’ playing XII ahead of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Chopra shared his surprise that the Capitals are not playing T Natarajan, whom they bought for a whopping amount of INR 10.75 crore.

In a recent press conference, DC mentor Kevin Pietersen said they are unable to accommodate Natarajan in the playing XII as the other players are performing well. 

Chopra also questioned Axar Patel’s captaincy for not giving the penultimate over to Mitchell Starc against RCB.

“You lost the last match in Delhi very badly, and there were questions in that. What did you do with (Mitchell) Starc’s over? It wasn’t understandable at all. The second thing I didn’t understand is that they are not playing T Natarajan. Kevin Pietersen said they are unable to make a place for him and asked where he can be placed,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

The former Delhi player urged DC to play Natarajan in place of Mukesh Kumar, who conceded 51 runs in 3.3 overs he bowled against RCB in the last game.

“Why are you not able to keep him? Keep Mukesh Kumar out and play T Natarajan. You might play him this evening. You bought him for ₹10 crore, if my memory is serving me right. You deserve applause if you are unable to create a place for a player you bought for ₹10 crore. I feel you should play him this evening,” he added.

The renowned commentator said defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders haven’t figured out things in the ongoing season.

“If I talk about Kolkata, they are still figuring it out. They haven’t figured it out. They have tried everything this season, but it hasn’t worked out. So I won’t talk too much about what they should do to change things,” he said (13:55) in the same video.

“They all know it. They have a lot of options available, which have always been there. They will play better if they get a good start. They will get stuck if they don’t get a good start. They will win if their 5 Rs play the right notes,” Chopra observed.

DC and KKR will take on each other in Delhi on Tuesday.