IPL 2021: Chris Morris Was Always On Our Radar, Says Rajasthan Royals COO

Rajasthan Royals COO Jake Lush McCrum explained the reason behind going all out for the South African all-rounder Chris Morris who became the most expensive player in IPL history. Chris Morris bagged a whopping 16.25 crores and a lot of experts went perplexed with Royal’s strategy to bid so much money for the all-rounder who hadn’t played any international cricket after the IPL.

Chris Morris scalped 11 wickets at an economy of 6.63 and scored 34 runs in the 9 games that he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2020 and was released by the franchise ahead of the auction. He missed few games due to injury which is a major problem associated with him and RR might have risked a lot to get the all-rounder who they think can be the most suited player in their team.

“He Had Some Fantastic Numbers At The Death” – Jake Lush McCrum

McCrum told that Chris Morris’s excellent numbers in the death in IPL 2020 and an added advantage of his striking ability lower down the order made the Royals go for the South African in the auction. He was happy to get the services of Chris Morris after a bidding war with Punjab and added that he can form a great bowling partnership with the likes of Archer and Kartik Tyagi.

Chris Morris is someone we have always had on our radar and we knew there would be heavy competition from the other teams for him. Thankfully Punjab Kings stopped bidding when they did, otherwise we would have lost him,” McCrum said.

“He is extremely experienced and will add to our bowling depth, especially at the death alongside the likes of Jofra Archer and Kartik Tyagi. Morris does indeed add greater potency to our death bowling which was a weakness last year. He had some fantastic numbers at the death in the last IPL and has bags of IPL experience, something that will be great for us as a squad. Down the order with the bat, he can win you matches too, with his powerful hitting,” he added.

McCrum Backs Sanju Samson’s Leadership

Royals named Sanju Samson as their new leader for the upcoming IPL 2021 and McCrum said that he has some natural leadership qualities which will suit the Royals way more likely. He also told that the Rajasthan team Would be built around him due to his excellent prowess.

“For all of us, it was a unanimous decision on Sanju. He has the natural leadership qualities required, understands the Royals way, and is someone we want to build our team around,” he added.

Rajasthan hasn’t won an IPL after the inaugural edition and will be raring to win the upcoming IPL 2021