Shoaib out, Chopra likely to play

Rattling off the squad for tomorrow8217;s match against Bangalore Royal Challengers, with Akhtar as the prominent name missing, coach John Buchanan confirmed that Shoaib Akhtar won8217;t make the final 11.

8220;He wants to play, for sure. But he8217;s not in the sort of condition that he would like to be a couple of days before a match,8221; he said after a final practice session, a day after sources said the team think-tank was at loggerheads with Shah Rukh Khan8217;s Red Chillies Entertainment over playing Akhtar in the match.

But, in a surprise move, Kolkata have included opener Aakash Chopra in the 14-member squad for tomorrow8217;s match. After four back-to-back defeats, the team are desperately looking to turn things around.

They see tomorrow8217;s match against Bangalore, who they had beaten by 140 runs in the opening match, as their best chance.