Aakash Chopra Slams Liam Livingstone Ahead of IPL 2025 Final
As we head into one of the most anticipated showdowns in IPL history—the 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings—there’s been a stir in the cricketing world, and it’s not just about who’s going to lift their maiden IPL trophy. The spotlight has unexpectedly fallen on RCB’s all-rounder Liam Livingstone, and not for the reasons you'd expect.
Former Indian cricketer and popular analyst Aakash Chopra has come down hard on Livingstone in the lead-up to the big game. During a candid session on his YouTube channel, Chopra didn’t hold back. He outright dismissed Livingstone's contributions this season, bluntly stating, "He hasn’t done anything worth talking about." That’s a strong claim to make, especially ahead of a high-pressure final where every player’s performance is under scrutiny.
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It’s rare to see such direct criticism from Chopra, who usually tempers his analysis with nuance. But here, the message was loud and clear—Livingstone hasn’t met expectations. Chopra even went a step further, suggesting that if Tim David is fit, RCB should seriously consider benching Livingstone. That’s a major call for a player brought in to be a game-changer with both bat and ball.
RCB have made a stunning comeback this season, clinching a playoff spot after winning seven consecutive matches. The team looks dangerous, with players like Josh Hazlewood returning to the XI and Kohli finding rhythm. But when a high-profile overseas player like Livingstone underperforms, it puts pressure on the team’s balance. Chopra’s remarks reflect that concern. He’s essentially questioning whether Livingstone’s place in the final XI is justified if there’s a stronger alternative available.
On the other side of the pitch, Punjab Kings are just as hungry for their first IPL title. With players like Arshdeep Singh and Shreyas Iyer stepping up, the contest is evenly poised. But Livingstone, who was expected to be a big-match player, now finds himself in the middle of a very different kind of spotlight—one that questions his very presence in the team.
As the two teams prepare to face off at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, all eyes will be on the line-ups. Will Livingstone get the nod despite the criticism? Or will RCB make a bold move and go with a reshuffled XI?
Whatever happens, one thing’s clear: in the IPL, reputations don’t count for much unless they’re backed up on the field. And come the final, Livingstone has everything to prove—if he plays at all.
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