Aakash Chopra Selects Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 XI for CSK Clash
Former India batter Aakash Chopra has recommended a revised Rajasthan Royals XI ahead of the team’s IPL 2026 meeting with Chennai Super Kings. The third match of the tournament is set for Monday, March 30, in Guwahati.
Chopra made the suggestions in a video on his YouTube channel. He urged Rajasthan to rethink the inclusion of Dasun Shanaka among the four overseas players.
Why Chopra wants a change
Shanaka is a replacement for Sam Curran, who will be unavailable for the game. Chopra believes Shanaka is not the best fit for the limited overseas slots.
He also advised against using Shimron Hetmyer at No. 3. Instead, Chopra prefers Dhruv Jurel in that position.
Recommended batting order
Chopra described Rajasthan’s openers as very fearsome. He argued they should avoid stacking three left-handers at the top.
His preferred top seven reads: Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers, Dhruv Jurel at No. 3, Riyan Parag at four. Shimron Hetmyer would move to five, with Donovan Ferreira at six.
Chopra highlighted Ferreira’s recent form and death-over credentials. He also noted the strong understanding between Suryavanshi and Jaiswal.
Supporting statistics
When Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal batted together last year, they featured in seven innings. Their combined strike rate was 203, with an average of 60.
Chopra pointed out their youth. Their average age in those innings was just 19.
All-round balance and overseas choices
Chopra recommended retaining Ravindra Jadeja for balance. He prefers Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger to fill key overseas roles.
He explicitly said he would not pick Dasun Shanaka for this match. The suggested combination aims to strengthen both pace and spin options.
Chopra’s likely Rajasthan Royals XI
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Donovan Ferreira
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Riyan Parag
- Jofra Archer
- Nandre Burger
- Tushar Deshpande
- Ravi Bishnoi
On YouTube, Chopra laid out his vision for a strong Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 XI ahead of the CSK clash. Filmogaz.com will follow team updates and any final confirmations.
