IPL 2018: Rajasthan Royals Should Thank Their Luck to Play Eliminator - Viv Richards
Published - 23 May 2018, 08:19 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:51 PM
Former Windies cricketer Viv Richards believes that Rajasthan Royals (RR) should consider themselves lucky to progress into the playoffs against all odds.
It all looked tight for the Royals with various teams locked in 14 points. But, it was Ajinkya Rahane’s men who defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a must-win clash and were equally well supported by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who defeated Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the ultimate match of the league stage.
The Royals needed a stroke of good as they received a major blow to their campaign before it even started.
Due to the entire ball-tampering fiasco, their retained skipper Steven Smith missed out on this eleventh season of Indian Premier League, as he was handed a one-year ban by Cricket Australia (CA).
“Rajasthan Royals definitely thanked their luck that allowed them to qualify for the eliminator. Rajasthan had only retained Steve Smith during the auction. Due to the unforeseen circumstances, he was unable to play, making Rajasthan think on their feet,” Richards wrote for TOI.
Also, the Windies great lauded the likes of Krishnappa Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal, who were responsible for the Royal turnaround along with Jos Buttler.
“The young RR players stepped up and put their best foot forward. Giving the team and the fans that extra spark and the motivation they needed. Both K Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal were fabulous along with Jos Buttler’s top-notch knocks. Not to forget Sanju Samson’s contribution in the early stages,” continued Richards.
Ahead of the key eliminator game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Richards expects a stellar show from the Knights at their own backyard at Eden Gardens.
“This season has not been flawless for the Kolkata Knight Riders as well. But more about scrapping and getting the job done until they found their mojo again. Although Dinesh Karthik’s leadership was not very fluid to start off. He has slowly become more definitive and the man himself has grown as a thinking captain,” he wrote.
Viv Richards provided special mentions to Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine, who consistently have given KKR blistering starts this season.
Also Read: IPL 2018: Kris Srikkanth Backs KKR to Win the Eliminator Against Rajasthan Royals
“The openers, Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn have been their elixir this season. They are very consistent with their starts. Allowing Karthik to come lower down the order. And, apply the finishing touches to the innings,” concluded Richards.
