Follow UsIn a high-scoring game involving the Rajasthan Royals and the Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium, the drama surrounding a no-ball call in the final over of the run chase overshadowed a scintillating hundred by Jos Buttler.
With 36 runs needed off the last over, Rovman Powell smashed Obed McCoy for three consecutive sixes to get the equation down to 18 off the last three balls.
However, the third ball of the over was a high full toss which was considered a legal delivery, and the game was halted for a few minutes after heated arguments from the Capitals surrounding the decision.
In an exclusive conversation with cricket.com, Graeme Smith shared his thoughts on the game and the incident. "It was disappointing to see for everybody, and I just think with 36 runs required off the final over, it was always going to need something dramatic. Obed McCoy, I felt for him because he could not let the ball go at the end and probably the drama saved him a bit of time to calm himself down," he said.
"Disappointing behaviour and lack of leadership around really because Rishabh Pant is young and Ricky Ponting is not there and just bad decision making. Pravin Amre is an experienced guy and should have seen it better, and I think a little bit of desperation from the Delhi Capitals. The fallouts are going to be big for them and took away the gloss from what was an exciting game," he further added.
The former South African player also felt the no-ball drama allowed McCoy to gather his thoughts after being hit for three sixes.
"What a batting performance from the Rajasthan Royals, and I think they were in control throughout the entire game bar potentially Obed McCoy with the ball and not getting the best out of Trent Boult yet since his injury.
Until the final over and you think 36, and we just need to bowl one good delivery, and we are all good, but a man that has got all the variations did not know what to bowl. He lost his confidence, and three sixes in a row, his heart would have been beating. He would have been grateful for that extra time and the drama that came to calm down, clear his head, and Delhi lost the momentum," he further added.
Sharing his thoughts on MS Dhoni and his outburst in one of the IPL games similar to this one, he said, "I think MSD, throughout his career, led his team with a lot of dignity and respect. I would say he is just one of the most respected men in the game, and tonight was about lack of leadership. If Ricky Ponting was there, it wouldn't have happened. Rishabh Pant is still a young man, and the desperation to win, so I think it just boiled over."
"Unfortunately, it needed David Warner or guys who have played international cricket for a bit of time. Pravin Amre as well is a very experienced senior statesman, and it was disappointing. That little experience is not great for the game, but it should take away what was another great performance from the Royals," he added.
After being asked to bat first by Pant, Rajasthan were powered to 222 runs in the first innings courtesy of a destructive 116 by Buttler.
"What an incredible thought is that he has to pretty much double that, and it just shows how incredible Kohli was in that season. It is double the runs, which means the Royals will have to add the semis and the finals as well to give him a chance," Smith said.
"The way he is playing, you cannot deny that it is going to happen, and he was all over the place in the powerplay but suddenly found his groove. His ability to score all around the ground, and I think he would want to wrap up the grounds in Mumbai and take them around because he is showing some incredible form," he added.
"He looked a bit rusty initially, but once he got in, he just put the fear into everybody, and the unique thing about him is that they tried things and went with different options, but he was just too good for them tonight.
Three hundreds is an incredible act, and to score at that pace and the risks you have to take to be consistent, I think is mind-blowing."
"I don't think people realise what an exceptional feat that is to get three hundred, so I would not want to criticise Delhi tonight but congratulate Jos for another magnificent inning," he said.
The spin combination of Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal weaved their magic in their clas, and Smith believes the consistency showcased by them in the tournament makes them lethal.
"Ashwin and Chahal are turning the ball and bowling with a lot of confidence. They have a number of variations, and they build partnerships from either end and create pressure that ultimately gives you the rewards. Picking up wickets consistently was another thing for them as batters have to start again, and it is difficult to start against quality spinners when you need to chase 12 runs per over"
The southpaw also heaped praises on Prasidh Krishna, who bowled a wicket maiden in the 19th over of the game to help the Royals inch closer to the win.
"I think what I really like about him when I watch him is he has got something about him. He is not afraid of the battle, and on a challenging surface, he is being competitive and letting the batters know he is there not only with his pace but also with his body language. He is the real kingpin for the Royals so far," he said.
Smith also shared his thoughts on the team and their decision to send Powell at number eight.
"You have to look at his record throughout the IPL, and it has been inconsistent, and he has not been able to get it together at a level where they would back him. Tonight he has shown some glimpses, and Delhi have left him out, and it is not how consistent can he be to be backed to bat up the order and show that power."
"There are problems in the camp, and Covid has hit them hard, and their coach is locked away for a couple of days. They have not played the cricket that they can be proud of, and they were lucky because Punjab were terrible a couple of nights ago to give them their second win."
"Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi are looking like they have an incredibly disappointing season which would come as a surprise for every IPL fan. I think they have lacked the firepower, and I feel they should have taken the risk once they played Nortje. We predicted that he would struggle in game one. They need a strike bowler who can pick up wickets and get you in the game," he concluded.