MI vs GT: Aakash Chopra Believes Riley Meredith Should Replace Chris Jordan

The Mumbai Indians will face Gujarat Titans in the qualifier 2 on May 26. While Mumbai has been winning the games with their current playing XI, Aakash Chopra has suggested some changes. Chris Jordan came in as the replacement for Jofra Archer but the England fast bowler has been expensive. Going into a do-or-die game, the 5-time IPL champions may not want to take a risk, especially when it is the opposition’s home ground.

Analyzing the gameplay ahead of Qualifier 2, Aakash Chopra spoke about what could be the ideal squad. Chris Jordan joined the team in the latter part of the competition, only playing 5 games. However, his numbers don’t look great having taken only 3 wickets with an economy of 10.05. Moreover, with the Gujarat Titans well acquainted with the conditions in Ahmedabad, Aakash Chopra mentioned Riley Meredith.

Aakash Chopra backs Riley Meredith to replace Chris Jordan in playing 11

“There is no doubt that there are problems in bowling but they are managing. They are continuing to play Chris Jordan. I am saying Riley Meredith will be a better option, play him but Chris Jordan is playing. He bowled a maiden over in the last match – incredible, and dismissed Kyle Mayers – super incredible,” Aakash Chopra said. The expert further mentioned that the addition of Jason Behrendorff has worked well for the side.

“I feel Jason Behrendorff will be extremely valuable with the new ball in the second innings. Akash Madhwal is doing an amazing job in any case. Piyush Chawla picked up two wickets both times he played against this team. There will be pressure on him as well,” he said. After analyzing the performances of Chris Jordan, Jason Behrendorff, Piyush Chawla, and others, the expert went on to speak about the batting line-up as well.

Aakash Chopra opined that the batting line-up was overall good, the main concern was Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma’s opening. Throughout the competition, the openers have failed to keep a long-going partnership. However, with Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, and others, it is not that big of a deal. Both the teams have faced each other 3 times with Mumbai Indians having a majority (2). Therefore, it’ll be interesting to see how the defending champions plan to reach yet another final.