Rajasthan Royals (RR) fell short in their chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the second qualifier of IPL 2024 at Chepauk, Chennai, managing only 139 for 7 in pursuit of 176. RR’s captain Sanju Samson attributed the loss to their inability to counter SRH’s left-arm spinners effectively on a dry pitch that favored slower bowlers in the second innings.
Middle Overs Struggle Against Spin
“We were found short of options in the middle overs against spin, and I think that’s where we lost the game,” Samson said post-match. He noted the challenge posed by SRH’s spinners, particularly Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek Sharma, who exploited the conditions to restrict RR’s right-handers. The Chepauk pitch offered significant turn in the second innings, jumping from 1.8 degrees of average turn in the first innings to 3.3 degrees in the second.
Tactical Blunder and Missed Opportunities
Former SRH coach Tom Moody criticized RR’s decision to demote Shimron Hetmyer in the batting order, calling it a “tactical blunder.” Samson acknowledged the need for more innovative shots like reverse sweeps and better use of the crease to disrupt the spinners’ rhythm. Despite the challenges, he credited SRH’s bowlers for their disciplined performance.
Sangakkara’s Take on the Chase
Kumar Sangakkara, RR’s director of cricket, echoed Samson’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for more intent and game-awareness from their batters. “We need to be a lot more clinical in our chases,” Sangakkara said, highlighting Dhruv Jurel‘s intent and smart shot selection as a positive example. He pointed out that Jaiswal’s dismissal brought the left-arm spinners into the game, complicating RR’s chase further.
Reflecting on the Season
Despite the loss, Sangakkara expressed satisfaction with RR’s overall performance in IPL 2024. He praised the team’s early success, winning eight of their first nine games, and their resilience in reaching the second qualifier despite challenges like Jos Buttler‘s departure and Shimron Hetmyer’s injury. “It was a great season for us,” Sangakkara stated, noting the contributions of young talents like Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel.
Standout Performances and Future Prospects
Samson highlighted the emergence of players like Parag, who scored 573 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of nearly 150, and Jurel, who delivered crucial cameos. He expressed confidence in their potential to become match-winners for the Indian cricket team.
Sandeep Sharma’s Evolution
Sangakkara also praised Sandeep Sharma‘s transformation into a versatile bowler, excelling in both the powerplay and death overs. Sandeep’s consistent performances, including key wickets in the second qualifier, were instrumental in RR’s campaign. “For two seasons now, Sandeep has been absolutely outstanding for us,” Sangakkara said, highlighting his skill and maturity.
While RR’s IPL 2024 campaign ended in disappointment, the team can take pride in their overall performance and the development of promising young players. With lessons learned from their tactical missteps, RR aims to come back stronger in the next season.
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