-(1).jpeg "Aakash Chopra")
Aakash Chopra delved into the Mumbai Indians' performances thus far in IPL 2026 and mentioned how the five-time champions could line up against the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, April 7.
The former India opener wondered whether Mitchell Santner would be used against the Royals' batting line-up as they have two left-handed openers and Shimron Hetmyer down the order. Chopra opined that there could be a possibility that AM Ghazanfar gets back into the side, especially with Mayank Markande not being at his best.
"I am very eager to see what would happen with Mitchell Santner because RR have two left-handers at the top and then Shimron Hetmyer comes later. Mitchell Santner, when he was New Zealand's captain, was himself not bowling against left-handers," Chopra said.
"He has a slight allergy, that he doesn't want to go in that direction, although he is too good a bowler. However, will they think about Allah Ghazanfar because Mayank Markande is the only Indian spin-bowling option, and he hasn't done that good a job thus far?" he added.
If Trent Boult plays, they might make Deepak Chahar sit out: Aakash Chopra
Chopra also mentioned that when Hardik Pandya and Trent Boult return to the side, Deepak Chahar might have to make way. The cricketer-turned-expert stated that Pandya and Boult could share the new ball, making it difficult for Chahar to fit in. However, Chopra said he wants the right-arm seamer to play as the ball can swing around a bit.
"Hardik Pandya will come and there is a big possibility that Corbin Bosch might be made to sit out, and you might see Trent Boult again. I think that is very, very likely. I would still play Deepak Chahar. He bowled well in the last match," he said.
"However, I feel that if Trent Boult plays, they might make Deepak Chahar sit out because Hardik and Trent Boult will bowl with the new ball, and Deepak won't have a role then. I feel Deepak should be played because it won't spin much in Guwahati. It might swing a little more, and the ball swung when Chennai played here. They were bowled out for 127," Chopra observed.
