Cricket

Rajasthan Royals' Puzzling Decision to Open with Tanush Kotian Raises EyebrowsIn a surprising move that left cricket experts baffled, Rajasthan Royals sent off-spinning all-rounder Tanush Kotian to open the batting against Punjab Kings in their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter. The decision drew widespread criticism and raised questions about the team's strategy.Former India batsman Robin Uthappa expressed his astonishment, stating, "I was dumbfounded when I saw Kotian walking out to open. What's the logic? Putting a kid who's playing his first IPL match in a situation he's never been in."Echoing Uthappa's sentiments, former India pacer Zaheer Khan highlighted the risks involved, remarking, "They showed exactly what not to do in a run chase. They sent a No.10 batter to open the innings. He was playing his first game. This could have cost them two points."Despite the initial skepticism, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson defended the move, explaining, "He came in as an all-rounder. He had a fabulous Ranji Trophy season and has been impressing everyone in the nets. We had a settled batting order, so we didn't want to unsettle it. Jos is almost ready for the next game, and we wanted to try him (Kotian) up the order."However, Kotian's performance at the crease left much to be desired. He struggled to find momentum, playing the slowest knock by a batter facing more than 25 balls this season. His innings raised concerns about the team's decision-making and the lack of clarity in their batting strategy.Fortunately for Rajasthan Royals, an explosive innings by Shimron Hetmyer rescued them from potential disaster, securing a narrow three-wicket victory. The win averted a potential crisis, but the decision to open with Kotian remains a puzzling one that has left cricket pundits scratching their heads.

Punjab Kings' all-rounder Sam Curran expressed disappointment after his team's narrow three-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite restricting Royals to a modest 147/8, Punjab's batters failed to capitalize, leaving Curran to lament their inability to finish games.Curran, who led the team in the absence of injured skipper Shikhar Dhawan, acknowledged the challenging nature of the wicket but emphasized the need for better execution. "We didn't start well with the bat and didn't finish well in the end," he said. "It was a good effort from the lower order, getting (close) to 150 was excellent, but unfortunately, it was another close loss."Punjab's batting woes have been a recurring theme this season, with the team struggling to convert competitive performances into wins. Curran highlighted the importance of adapting to the new venue, but expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back."Three games is a hard way to fully work out the conditions, but we've adapted well," he said. "We won the first match and lost two matches by close margins. It's hard to take, but the boys will be lifted by how well we've played in the last couple of games."Despite the setbacks, Curran praised his team's bowling and fielding efforts. "We stuck to our plans, bowled and fielded well," he said. "We're confident we'll bounce back in the next game."Punjab Kings will be looking to break their losing streak when they face Kolkata Knight Riders on April 13.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 witnessed another nail-biting encounter on Saturday, with Rajasthan Royals (RR) edging out Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a low-scoring thriller.PBKS, batting first, struggled to gain momentum, posting a modest 147/8 in 20 overs. Ashutosh Sharma (31), Jitesh Sharma (29), and Liam Livingstone (21) provided some resistance, but the RR bowlers kept them in check.In response, RR's chase was far from smooth. Yashasvi Jaiswal (39), Tanush Kotian (24), and Riyan Parag (23) all got starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores.With the match hanging in the balance, Shimron Hetmyer stepped up for RR. The West Indian smashed an unbeaten 27 off just 10 deliveries, including the winning boundary with one ball to spare.Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler for PBKS, claiming 2/18. For RR, Keshav Maharaj and Avesh Khan picked up two wickets each.The victory consolidated RR's position at the top of the IPL 2024 points table with five wins in six games. PBKS, on the other hand, remained eighth with two wins in six matches.Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli continues to lead the Orange Cap race with 319 runs, while RR's Yuzvendra Chahal holds the Purple Cap with 11 wickets.

Sanju Samson's Dhoni-esque Run-Out Stuns Liam Livingstone in IPL ClashIn a thrilling encounter between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, Rajasthan's wicket-keeper Sanju Samson showcased his exceptional glove-work, reminiscent of legendary MS Dhoni, to dismiss power-hitter Liam Livingstone in a stunning run-out.The incident occurred in the 18th over, with Livingstone and Ashutosh Sharma attempting a risky second run. Sharma's flat throw from deep mid-wicket was not precise, but Samson displayed remarkable agility to collect it low to his left.With lightning-fast reflexes, Samson flicked the ball onto the stumps while rolling onto the ground in the throw's followthrough. The tag team between Samson and Tanush Kotian proved decisive, as Livingstone fell short of his crease upon return.Samson's incredible effort drew comparisons to the legendary MS Dhoni, known for his lightning-fast stumpings. The dismissal was a crucial moment in the match, as Livingstone had been a dangerous presence at the crease.The Royals' all-round bowling performance restricted Punjab to a modest 147 for 8 in Mullanpur. Keshav Maharaj and Avesh Khan claimed two wickets each, while Trent Boult, Kuldeep Sen, and Yuzi Chahal chipped in with one wicket apiece.For Punjab, Ashutosh (31) and Jitesh Sharma (29) were the top scorers. However, Samson's brilliance behind the stumps proved to be the game-changer, as the Royals secured a crucial victory.

Rajasthan Royals' bowlers, led by Avesh Khan and Keshav Maharaj, exploited a challenging pitch at Mullanpur to restrict Punjab Kings to a modest 147 for eight in their Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter on April 13.Avesh (2/34) and Maharaj (2/23) stifled the Kings' batters, preventing them from gaining momentum on a surface that favored spin and slow bowling. Ashutosh Sharma (31, 16b), Jitesh Sharma (29, 24b), and Liam Livingstone (21, 14b) attempted to accelerate the innings, but their efforts proved insufficient.Punjab began their innings with a brisk start, scoring 26 runs in the first three overs. However, Atharva Taide's dismissal by Avesh Khan halted their progress. The Kings struggled to build partnerships as the Rajasthan spinners and Trent Boult's economical bowling kept them in check.The last three power play overs yielded only 10 runs for Punjab, leaving them with a meager 38 for one. The next five overs saw them manage just one boundary, as they labored to 53 for four in 10 overs. Jonny Bairstow, stand-in skipper Sam Curran, and Prabhsimran Singh all fell victim to the combination of a slow deck and accurate spinners.Curran's dismissal exemplified the Kings' struggles. The left-hander failed to generate power or timing on his pull shot off Maharaj, as the ball slowed down significantly after pitching. Dhruv Jurel took a tumbling catch while running in from deep mid-wicket.Shahshank Singh, Punjab's in-form batter, was expected to provide some impetus, but his feeble pull shot off Sen was caught by Jurel at mid-wicket. With the top order back in the pavilion, the Kings relied on Livingstone and Jitesh to salvage a competitive total.Sharma showed some intent, clobbering Chahal for a six over extra cover and later sending Sen for a six to the straight fence before getting out to Avesh. Livingstone, who creamed Sen for a six and four off successive balls through mid-wicket, and Ashutosh, who smoked Avesh for two sixes in the 19th over, helped PBKS add 61 runs in the last five overs, but their effort came too late.

RR vs PBKS Live Score: Rajasthan Royals Seek Redemption Against Punjab KingsThe Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing loss to the Gujarat Titans when they face the Punjab Kings in an Indian Premier League match on Saturday. The Royals had an opportunity to secure their fifth consecutive victory and solidify their position at the top of the standings, but Rashid Khan's heroics propelled the Titans to a thrilling last-ball triumph.The defeat exposed some tactical errors by the Royals, particularly their decision not to fully utilize the experience of Trent Boult. The veteran left-arm pacer was economical in his two overs, conceding just eight runs, and his presence in the final overs could have made a significant difference.Despite Boult's traditional role as a new-ball specialist, his experience and ability to execute under pressure make him a valuable asset in crucial situations. The Royals will need to improve their strategic decision-making and execution against the Kings.The Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have been a mixed bag this season, capable of both brilliance and inconsistency. They will be looking to capitalize on the Royals' recent setback and secure a much-needed victory.The match promises to be an intriguing contest between two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. The Royals will be determined to prove that their loss to the Titans was an anomaly, while the Kings will be eager to show that they can compete with the best in the league.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) teammates Jos Buttler and Trent Boult engaged in a lighthearted Q/A session ahead of their clash with Punjab Kings (PBKS). The duo shared their favorite TV shows, actors they would like to portray them in a biopic, and their IPL and cricketing preferences.Buttler expressed his admiration for Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, stating that he would choose him to play his character in a biopic. Boult, known for his humor, revealed that the last thing he searched on his phone was "Trent Boult dismissing Jos Buttler."When asked about his craziest fan interaction, Boult remarked on the enthusiastic nature of Indian fans, describing their requests for selfies, waves, and kisses as "weird." Buttler, a self-proclaimed fan of the American sitcom "Friends," said he could binge-watch it for the rest of his life.Boult named KL Rahul as his favorite Indian player, while Buttler praised Virat Kohli's cover drive. Boult's most memorable IPL dismissal was his 100th wicket in the tournament, which happened to be Kohli. He also expressed his desire to dismiss former England batter Kevin Pietersen if given the chance.If not a cricketer, Boult said he would have been a postman. When asked to choose between England's "Bazball" style of cricket and Yashasvi Jaiswal's "Jaisball" style, Buttler sided with the latter, acknowledging Jaiswal's impressive performance in the Test series against England.Boult crowned Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the "best new ball bowler" and expressed his desire to have Rashid Khan in the RR team.

Riyan Parag's remarkable resurgence in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has turned heads and silenced critics. The Rajasthan Royals' young batter has emerged as a sensational player, showcasing consistent performances that have propelled him to the forefront of the tournament.Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has expressed admiration for Parag's transformation, suggesting that he could be on the radar for the upcoming T20 World Cup squad. "Riyan Parag is emerging to be a sensational player in this IPL. It's pretty refreshing to see a young player performing like this," remarked Jaffer.Parag's journey has been marked by hard work and dedication. He has worked tirelessly to improve his fitness and composure, and the results are evident in his performances. "The hard work is showing. He is fitter, and he looks composed. His shot selection is good; he has faced significant trolling over the past few years," Jaffer said.Parag's resurgence has been evident throughout the IPL season. He started with a blistering 43 against Lucknow Super Giants, followed by unbeaten half-centuries against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. His latest knock of 76 against Gujarat Titans showcased his growing prowess and determination.Despite a recent defeat, Rajasthan Royals remain strong contenders, with Parag's resurgence adding firepower to their lineup. His consistent performances have not only silenced critics but also raised hopes of a potential T20 World Cup call-up.Parag's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. He has overcome criticism and adversity to emerge as a key player for his team. His performances in the IPL have not only earned him praise but also put him in contention for a place in the Indian national team.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Keshav Maharaj has attributed the team's impressive start to the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season to the positive atmosphere within the squad, where inputs from not only captain Sanju Samson but also other experienced players are being valued.Maharaj, who has played a key role in RR's four wins out of five matches so far, highlighted the significant contributions of Jos Buttler in providing valuable advice to the bowlers. "Jos, he's captained his country in World Cups. So, I think bouncing off his knowledge and helping the bowlers has really shown in this tournament," said Maharaj.The South African spinner emphasized the importance of having leaders within the team who are willing to share their expertise. "Obviously, Sanju bhai is the leader of the team and he entrusts certain people. And I think it's always good in a cricket team whether you're young or old, if you have good advice, there's nothing wrong with passing on the information," he said.Maharaj believes that the team's success stems from the collective effort of all players, regardless of their experience or seniority. "I think you always want leaders within the team. Obviously, Sanju bhai is the leader of the team and he entrusts certain people. And I think it's always good in a cricket team whether you're young or old, if you have good advice, there's nothing wrong with passing on the information," he explained.The positive team environment has fostered a sense of camaraderie and trust among the players, which has translated into on-field success. "Obviously, Jos, he's captained his country in World Cups. So, I think bouncing off his knowledge and helping the bowlers has really shown in this tournament. I mean, winning four out of five games is a good start to the tournament. And I think the bowlers like having him at a mid off and mid on, just so that they can lean on him when they need advice," said Maharaj.As RR prepares to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their next match, Maharaj is confident that the team's positive momentum will continue. "I think we've got a good team. We've got a lot of experience. We've got a lot of youth. And I think the combination of the two is really working well for us," he said.