The bowling approach of RR, especially with reference to their top pacer, Trent Boult, perplexed cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra. In spite of the Kiwi’s outstanding run, Chopra questioned the team’s choice to restrict Boult to just two overs during his YouTube channel evaluation of the match.
Last night, the Gujarat Titans (GT) defeated the reigning Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, delivering the latter team their first IPL 2024 loss. In spite of the difficult circumstances, GT managed to win by effectively pursuing a target of 197 runs.
“Trent Boult only bowled two overs; why? It was beyond my comprehension. Eight runs in two overs and just two overs were bowled by him. How come? Keshav’s two overs yielded 16 runs, meaning that only 24 runs were scored in those four overs. Trent Boult had the opportunity to be given over in the middle, but you chose not to do so. The former India opener stated, “You went towards spinners.”
In just two overs, Royals rookie Keshav Maharaj gave up 16 runs in his debut. Chopra believed that Boult ought to have been given a longer spell to take advantage of the circumstances, since he bowled two overs and surrendered eight runs.
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“You should have the bowling to defend it if you are bowling with a dry ball and you have scored enough runs.” Actually, Rajasthan has the bowling. Even though they didn’t play Nandre Burger, they still bowled. They only managed to get Keshav Maharaj to bowl two overs during his debut,” he said.
I will praise Kuldeep Sen: Aakash Chopra
While applauding Kuldeep Sen’s three-wicket haul, Chopra pointed out that GT managed to chase down the goal with three wickets, despite the young bowler and Avesh Khan failing to perform well in the last overs.
“Because Kuldeep Sen took three wickets at the beginning, I would commend him. But he gave in to pressure in the end. Avesh Khan was bowling a respectable over as well, but he gave up a boundary,” Aakash continued.
35 runs were required for the Titans in the last two overs. In the penultimate over, Sen (3/41 in four overs) gave up twenty runs, while Avesh (1/48 in four overs) gave up seventeen runs in the last over, including a four off the last ball.
Analyzing the Royals’ batting performance, Chopra praised the collaboration between skipper Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag, who were instrumental in driving the team to a challenging 196/3. Samson’s aggressive strategy against deliveries with a high pitch particularly pleased the pundit.
When RR were reduced to 42/2 after 5.4 overs, Parag joined Samson in the middle. The wicketkeeper-batter from Kerala made an undefeated 68 off 38 deliveries, while Parag hammered a 48-ball 76.
“When he performs, he does it very well. He plays with such grace and beauty that it may be described as lovely. On the other end was Riyan Parag. “Don’t think of him as a spark; this man is pure fire,” he said.
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