IPL 2021: I Think Match-Readiness Is Going To Be An Issue - Chris Morris

Rajasthan Royals (RR) all-rounder Chris Morris said that the players will be rusty in the first couple of games they will play during the second half of the IPL 2021, which has started in the UAE.

Chris Morris reckoned most of the cricketers are coming off after a lengthy lay-off and haven’t been regularly playing at the highest level since the tournament was suspended in May. He stated that, however, the guys would be looking to brush that rustiness ahead and give their best as RR aim to resume the season on a bright note.

The South African all-rounder was Royals’ best bowler in the first chunk of the matches bagging 14 wickets in 7 games. He also won a game against Delhi Capitals with the bat whacking 36* off 18 balls.

“I think match-readiness is probably going to be an issue. Same as IPL last year in Dubai, guys took a couple of matches to get rustiness out of their bones. I think the fortunate thing for us is that people have been playing a lot of cricket, especially overseas players. I have been pre-season at home, I think match-fitness is always the best type of fitness,” Chris Morris said in a webinar organised by the franchise.  

“I think a few guys will struggle to get that rustiness off. It is natural and it is going to happen. This is the nature of the beast with COVID-19. So, I think it will be the case initially, some guys have to shake off the rustiness but that is part and parcel of the game. You have to find a way and make it work.” he added. 

We know how to tackle challenges as a team: Sanju Samson

The Royals have lost the service of Jos Buttler after losing out on Ben Stokes; Jofra Archer wasn’t available earlier as well while Andrew Tye has pulled out of the remainder of the games. Four new replacements have been added.

Sanju Samson, who took over Royals’ captaincy this year, though, feels that the team will be able to tackle any challenges coming in this season as they look to clinch their second title after winning their last one in 2008.

“Earlier, the challenge was to come out of the COVID-19 times and play the IPL. This time we are keeping under a separate challenge, we played seven matches in India and now we have come here to play the rest of the tournament. We know how to tackle challenges as a team,” Samson said. 

Rajasthan sits at the fifth position in the points table, having won 3 matches and lost 4 during the India leg of the tournament. They will meet KL Rahul’s Punjab Kings on Tuesday in Dubai.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Only After He Settles Down Do We Watch Him Play – Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Nervous Parents