We Still Need To Do Our Bit: Steve Smith After RR's Second Consecutive Win Against KXIP

Steve Smith, Rajasthan Royals skipper, rued his side’ mid-season ruddle for their current position in the Dream11 IPL 2020 after the Royals orchestrated yet another chasing masterclass in Abu Dhabi to not only break Kings XI Punjab’s five-match winning streak but also notch up their second consecutive win; one that has ensured that they are still in the race for the playoffs.

After having won their opening two games thanks to their batting prowess, RR went through a phase of consistent decline as they lost seven of the next 9 games. But, in the last two matches against Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab today, the enigmatic team has once again got themselves on the right phase, having hunt huge totals down with absolute disdain.

Just like the last game, Ben Stokes and Sanju Samson took off from where they had left during RR’s run-chase of 186. Stokes smashed the KXIP to all corners of the ground in the powerplay and in the process he completed a 24-ball 50. Stokes eventually fell to Chris Jordan in the 5th over but Sanju Samson’s audacious strokeplay ensured that the momentum stayed with Rajasthan. Samson stroked a 25-ball 48 before getting dismissed courtesy a brilliant direct-hit by J Suchith.

However, skipper Steve Smith, just like Samson and Stokes, batted on a completely different level today. The skipper displayed his 360-degree range and the game was effectively sealed when he smashed Shami for three boundaries in the 17th over. Smith was chuffed to bits in the post-match interview, where he lauded Ben Stokes for the manner in which he has played in the last two games.

 

‘Nice to get over the line comfortably’- Steve Smith

Rajasthan Royals have now moved to the 5th spot in the points table but Steve Smith asserted that while it was nice to get over the line comfortably, a lot of work still needs to be done if they have to ensure qualification for the playoffs. Smith also added that the team has different plans as to which batsman goes in to bat after who gets out, when asked about Buttler coming at 5 today. Apart from a win in their game, the Royals need a few results to go their way to ensure qualification and as Smith admitted, his team will be keenly watching the other sides play in the upcoming matches.

”Ebbed and flowed. But would have been great to win a few in the middle. But it is about peaking at the right time. We still need to do our bit, We have different plans as to who goes in after who gets out. Gave Buttler a chance to bat at number 5. Nice to get over the line comfortably. Helps the NRR. The last two games he has been exceptional. Has good innovation, Hits the ball in weird areas. He is a valauble player. One of the best in the world,” Steve Smith said in the post-match presentation.

”You are always talking to players and try to get the best of them. We know if he spends time in the middle, he will come good. Couple of games tomorrow, we will be matching them closely and then good to go day after,” he signed off.

Also Read- Twitter Reacts After Rajasthan Royals Hunt Down Kings XI Punjab’s 185 With Disdain