IPL 2018: I Used My Variations And Hit the Right Lengths, Says Ankit Rajpoot

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pulled off yet another thrilling win against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in a low-scoring affair at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Backed by strong bowling, Sunrisers’ bowlers rattled through KXIP’s batting lineup on Thursday to clinch all-important two points. Young pacer Ankit Rajpoot took three wickets in powerplay overs.

Having lost the toss and put into bat, Sunrisers’ top order failed big time.

However, the poor fielding has definitely helped Manish Pandey and Shakib Al Hasan. Pandey was dropped thrice on his way to fifty, while Shakib was caught on a no-ball delivery bowled by Barinder Sran.

The duo stabilized the innings with a 50-run partnership. Yusuf Pathan once again looked useful in the lower middle-order with important runs.

Sunrisers managed a mere 132 for six in their 20 overs on a decent batting wicket.

Quick Read: IPL 2018: Harbhajan Singh Praises Sunrisers’ Bowlers After Win Against KXIP

Kings XI expected to be the winners at the end of first innings. Rajpoot was the pick of the bowlers with five wickets to his name.

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul started the innings once again on a high note. Both the players scored boundaries in tandem and put on a 55-run opening stand.

But once wickets start tumbling, Kings’ batsmen crumbled under pressure. None of the middle-order batsmen showed any determination to stay put and anchor the innings.

KXIP eventually were bowled out for just 119 runs and the home team took the game by just 13 runs.

Despite losing the match, young Ankit Rajpoot was adjudged as Man of the Match for his five-wicket haul.

In addition, he became the first uncapped Indian player to take a five-wicket haul in IPL history.

Speaking in the post match presentation, Ankit Rajpoot said:

“It isn’t an easy job. Everyone practice hard and we practice a lot before the games. The wicket was offering a bit of help early on and I made sure I used my variations and hit the right lengths. I had planned early on about which areas to bowl and it all worked out well. It was my day today and thankfully I got a fifer.”

Ankit Rajpoot managed impressive figures of five for 14 in the match. His team will now have a week’s time to prepare for their next game.

Punjab will next play against Mumbai Indians in their new home, Indore on May 4.

Also, Read: IPL 2018: Rohit Sharma Should Open for Mumbai Indians – Lalchand Rajput