IPL 2022: Wriddhiman Saha has punched above his weight – Aakash Chopra

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has heaped praise on Wriddhiman Saha for doing a prolific job for Gujarat Titans in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League.

Chopra feels Saha has punched above his weight for the new franchise. The veteran wicket-keeper has grabbed his opportunity with both hands while opening the innings for Gujarat Titans.

Saha has scored 312 runs in nine matches at an average of 39 and a strike rate of 124.80 in the ongoing Tata IPL 2022. Thus, he played an instrumental role in helping Gujarat Titans finish the league stage at the numero uno position and qualify for the playoff stages.

As Saha has played most of his cricket at Eden Gardens for Bengal, he is well familiar with the pitch and the ground. GT will hope that Saha can make the most of his experience while playing in the first qualifier against Rajasthan Royals and help the Hardik Pandya-led team get off to a good start in the PowerPlay overs.

Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Aakash Chopra said, “Wriddhiman Saha is in good form. He knows this ground. You will expect from him but it will not be easy to score runs if the ball swings a lot because he plays across the line and there are chances of getting out in that. I think he has punched above his weight. He is that joker in the pack, which means surprise package, who can change everything.”

The renowned commentator feels it will be essential for Gujarat Titans that their skipper Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill score runs if they have to win against RR. Pandya and Gill have scored 413 and 403 runs respectively in the ongoing season.

“Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya will both have to score runs if this team has to win. The chances will go down if either of them gets out early and the team will hit rock bottom if both get out. They are the heart and heartbeat of this team.”

Meanwhile, David Miller and Rahul Tewatia have done a good job for GT in the ongoing season. However, Chopra feels the team can not over-rely on them.

“You can expect from David Miller and Rahul Tewatia on this pitch but they are not your bankers. Their year has been good but if you are 25/3, which can happen, then you will struggle.”

Former KKR player wants GT to play both Alzarri Joseph and Lockie Fergusson and drop Matthew Wade.

“One change should be there, say thank you tata bye-bye to Matthew Wade and bring Sai Sudharsan, drop Sai Kishore and bring Lockie Ferguson. I think that is the team that they should be playing. Go with an all-out gun attack.”

GT will take on RR on Tuesday in the first qualifier.