DC vs RR: The Way Prithvi Shaw Has Been Playing, It Is 50-50- Sanjay Manjrekar

Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar said the forthcoming match of IPL 2022 between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals will be a tough clash as both sides are coming fresh from thumping wins against Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders respectively.

Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw has formed a destructive pair with Australian player David Warner at the top. The new opening combination is turning out to be a nightmare for the bowlers.

Shaw and Warner put up an 83-run stand against PBKS as Capitals chased the mere target of 116 in just 10.3 overs.  Shaw has gathered 217 runs in six innings, striking at 170.87 with two fifty-plus scores.

Prithvi Shaw has to be alert against Trent Boult’s in-swining full balls: Sanjay Manjrekar

While analysing the preview of the game, Manjrekar said the battle between Prithvi Shaw and Rajasthan Royals pacer Trent Boult will be interesting to watch.

“The way Shaw has been playing, it’s 50-50. If the tactics are right, Delhi Capitals’ top order can hurt the Royals big time. Trent Boult bowls well with the new ball and has been less effective in the middle and death overs,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.

“If seen tactically, Boult can make a difference in his first 2-3 overs with the new ball because the in-swinger troubles Shaw. He punishes good length deliveries, but Shaw has to be alert against in-swinging full balls,” he added. 

It remains to be seen if Jos Buttler fails, how Rajasthan Royals respond to it: Sanjay Manjrekar

Rajasthan Royals opener Jos Buttler is leading the scoring charts of IPL 2022 with 375 runs in six innings striking at 156.9 with two half-centuries and as many centuries. The 31-year-old will be confident from his 61-ball 103 against KKR in the previous match. Manjrekar said the Royals will be ultimately tested when Buttler fails to deliver with the bat.

“Royals’ two overseas players – Buttler and Hetmyer- are impacting the team massively and the former is making big scores. He bats deep into the innings due to which Sanju Samson hasn’t got too many opportunities,” Manjrekar asserted.

“Padikkal looks slightly out of form. It remains to be seen if Buttler fails, how Rajasthan responds to it. I think Riyan Parag will perform and I’m praying he returns to form,” he added.

RR will face Delhi Capitals on Friday (April 22) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The match was originally scheduled to take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune but as a precautionary measure, the BCCI changed the venue after the Delhi Capitals contingent recorded six COVID-19 cases.

Also Read: DC vs RR: “He Is A Big Match Performer” Sanjay Manjrekar Is Not Concerned About Rishabh Pant’s Batting