RCB’s Jacob Bethell and Virat Kohli run between the wickets (PTI Photo) Former India spinner Aakash Chopra has expressed concern over Jacob Bethell’s form ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s match against Gujarat Titans on April 30, suggesting the youngster could be in the heat after a quiet start to his tenure this season.Bethell, who stepped in for the injured Phil Salt, started the last two games but failed to convert his starts. Scores of 14 from 10 and 20 from 11 showed flashes, but Chopra believes it will not be enough to live up to expectations within the camp.Chopra said on his YouTube channel that the team combination did not necessarily need a change, but added that Bethell’s performances would be under scrutiny. He also referred to Alastair Cook’s earlier comments about the youngster’s playing time, pointing out the irony of him getting opportunities but failing to make much of an impact.“Don’t change anything, although there will be a bit of pressure on Jacob Bethell because some time ago Alastair Cook asked him to come back if he is not playing. He is playing but not scoring runs. He is playing cameos. That is not good enough. So that is one thing they would like to change,” Chopra said.Chopra also questioned RCB’s use of Romario Shepherd, noting that his role is not clear. He pointed out that Shepherd was expensive with the ball and didn’t get enough chances to contribute with the bat, making his presence somewhat ineffective in the current set-up.“They still don’t know what Romario Shepherd’s role is because he gets hit a lot when he comes to bowl and he doesn’t get on the bat at all. That’s another incredible part that all the teams play with 12, play with 11 and still win,” he noted.Turning his attention to Gujarat, Chopra identified two major concerns that could hold them back. The first, he said, is their heavy reliance on the top order, especially Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler. According to him, the team’s fortunes are closely tied to whether this trio can measure up.“GT, you have two problems. It includes your dependence on the top three, which will remain. There is nothing you can do about that. Sai Sudharsan scored runs that day (away match against RCB) and he needs to score today too, otherwise Shubman Gill or Jos Buttler should score runs,” he said.The second issue Chopra identified was Gujarat’s struggles at the death. He pointed out that their scoring rate in the last four overs has been staggering, with 42 being their highest return so far at this stage.“Your problem is that you haven’t scored in the last four games. The highest point you’ve scored is 42. If 42 is the team’s highest score in the last four games, that means you have a problem. You’re going to have to deal with that problem. How are you going to progress if you don’t deal with it?” he added.With both teams carrying specific concerns into the contest, the upcoming clash could hinge on whether individuals like Bethell step up and whether Gujarat can sort out their finishing issues in time.
