Tim David’s absence from the vital LSG vs. RCB match would put pressure on the openers, according to Aakash Chopra

While fielding against Hyderabad, Tim David injured his hamstring, forcing him to leave the pitch for medical attention. In the second innings, he came out to bat but didn’t appear at all at ease.

On Tuesday, May 27, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will square off in a pivotal Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Rajat Patidar and company will advance to Qualifier 1 and play the Punjab Kings if they win on Tuesday. They will have to play the Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator, though, if they lose to Lucknow.

The unfortunate part, though, is that Tim David has not received any updates. Nobody is speaking.

Josh Hazlewood’s comeback is a huge boost for the club, according to Aakash Chopra, as his absence was felt in the previous two games. The former India batsman believes that openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli would be under a lot of strain if Tim David, who injured his hamstring in the previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, were to miss the crucial match.

“The return of Josh Hazlewood is wonderful news for RCB. Josh (enthusiasm) is back because Josh Hazlewood is back, so they must be feeling great. The bowling appeared to have fallen apart. In the previous two games, they let up 200 runs. The globe appeared to be in a completely different state, and one individual was gone. Chopra posted on his own YouTube account that he has returned.

He might not be present, and the openers will be under a lot of pressure if he is. To be honest, they have been playing well all along. He went on to say, “Phil Salt and Virat Kohli are scoring runs consistently and complementing each other.”

Tim Seifert can remain at number three: Aakash Chopra

Lungi Ngidi and Jacob Bethell have departed the RCB camp to serve their country. If David doesn’t get better in time, RCB may look at Tim Seifert and Liam Livingstone.

If he replaces David, Chopra questioned if RCB would utilise top-order batsman Seifert as a finisher. The former cricket player who is now a commentator believes that Manoj Bhandage may replace Mayank Agarwal in the lower order and that the New Zealand wicketkeeper could potentially bat at number three.

“I believe Tim Seifert has replaced Jacob Bethell, who has already departed. Tim Seifert, though, is an opener. If Tim David isn’t present, will you force him to bat down the order? If not, Tim Seifert can remain at number three. That’s an intriguing line of reasoning’, Chopra remarked.