Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha said he would love to see Ajinkya Rahane making good use of the opportunity that has come his way in the absence of Rishabh Pant for Delhi Capitals at Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. After being on the bench for their first 6 matches, Rahane got an opportunity in their previous outing against Mumbai Indians.
Rahane did not open the innings but played at No. 4 as he took Rishabh Pant's position in the batting order. However, Rahane managed 15 runs from as many balls as Delhi Capitals posted 162 on the board after 20 overs before suffering a 5-wicket loss.
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Ojha though believes has the experience to step up and give the Capitals a healthy headache when they sort out their injury concerns. Pant suffered a hamstring injury last week and is expected to be back only next week before which Delhi Capitals play 2 matches, including Wednesday's outing against the Royals.
The absence of Pant also made way for Alex Carey who replaced an in-form Shimron Hetymer as Capitals made use of their strong bench strength.
"DC have a lovely side. They have got injuries but we could ever feel it because of the bench strength they have. It's a great opportunity for Ajinkya Rahane," Ojha told Sports Today.
"It's very strange to call it an 'opportunity' for Rahane. If you talk about Indian team, he is probably the first name in the Test team, he is the vice-captain, a senior pro. You know when you see the Delhi line-up, he came from leading the Rajasthan Royals to Delhi.
"And now that Rishabh Pant is not there, he has got his chance. I want this headache for Delhi Capitals, Ajinkya Rahane getting those runs."
Ojha wants Royals to use Stokes as floater
Meanwhile, Pragyan Ojha also said Rajasthan Royals can try Robin Uthappa at the top and use comeback man Ben Stokes as a floater depending on the start they get. Notably, Stokes, who played his first match of IPL 2020 on Sunday, was asked to open for the Royals and the World Cup--winner failed to get going with the bat.
"Rajasthan Royals need to address the Robin Uthappa situation. I strongly feel Robin should open. Ben Stokes can be a floater, he is a super talent. If Delhi gets 200 runs, maybe he can open. In a normal situation, Uthappa opens and then you see how you got your start and then we can play around Ben Stokes," Ojha said.