Follow UsRajasthan Royals (RR) succumbed to a massive defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans (GT) in Jaipur. They managed to put up just 118 on the bard after brilliant spells from the Afghan duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, who shared five wickets between them. With this comprehensive win, GT further consolidated their position at the top of the table.
RR have now lost four of their last five matches, yet, find themselves in fourth position with 10 points from five games. Following a series of poor performances, RR captain Sanju Samson admits that his side pull up their socks.
"Tough night today. We did have a very good powerplay to start with. With 120 to defend, that was a bit too much to ask for. They were bowling really good lines and lengths... they kept on taking crucial wickets in the middle overs," Samson said at the post-match presentation.
"You can't go too in; we have a game in one more night. We have been playing some good cricket. But we have to pull our socks up. We are really hungry to win in the coming week."
Speaking of impressive performances from Rashid and Noor, skipper Hardik Pandya, who scored a quick-fire 39 not out off 15, says he does not interfere much when it comes to dealing with them, unless the situation requires.
"I let Rashid handle that business [of dealing with the spinners] with Noor. They speak the same language, and nobody is better than Rashid. I think it's a very standard field when they are bowling. They are very confident," Pandya said.
"I have always found Wriddhi [Saha] as one of the best keepers I have played it. The way he adds value and does the job for us is tremendous. I made some bad judgments and errors in the last game. Today my job was half done by the time Shubman got out. I got a lot of time to think after the last game."
Player of the match, Rashid Khan, said that he is happy to bounce back after a poor outing last time around.
"Nothing different, it's about making sure you don't give the signal to and make it easy for the batsman... It has taken a little bit of time to make it perfect. It's just the line and length for me. I just keep it simple; it was a bad day for me [in the last game]. I bowled a few bad deliveries which were punished. I just went back, and talked with the video analyst," Rashid said.
"I pitched it a little bit fuller. We [Noor and I] speak Pashtun, and that makes it easier. He has been working and asking questions, which is why he succeeded. I'm receiving messages and videos of bowlers and youngsters who are so good. Mujeeb, Zahir and Qais haven't got the opportunity to play in this league"
Both RR and GT are in action next on Sunday (May 7). While RR take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Jaipur, GT take on Lucknow Super Giants in Ahmedabad.