IPL 2021: Sandstorm Affected The Outcome Of The Game - Deep Dasgupta Says Lack Of Dew Helped RCB

Former India wicket-keeper, Deep Dasgupta opines that the sudden sandstorm before the beginning of the Delhi Capitals’ innings might have helped the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who won the game by just a solitary run on Tuesday in Ahmedabad.

The Capitals were set a target of 172 runs, after a last-over blitzkrieg from AB de Villiers, but their innings was delayed by about 15 minutes as a sandstorm occurred in the ground. While no overs were lost due to the sandstorm, Deep Dasgupta believes that it helped the RCB bowlers nullify the effect of dew on the ground.

Rishabh Pant, the Capitals captain, had won the toss and elected to bowl first, with dew in his mind as well among other things. However, Deep Dasgupta reckons there was little dew observed while RCB were bowling, and it could be because of the mid-match sandstorm.

“The other thing that could have affected the outcome was the Sandstorm. It helped RCB because it was quite breezy as well. Generally, you don’t have dew then. And one of the main aspects why you want to chase down in white-ball cricket is the dew factor.

“So, maybe I think it would be interesting to find out was there any dew at all in the second half,” Deep Dasgupta told ESPNcricinfo.

?has enveloped Ahmedabad and the start of play has been delayed. It should clear up soon. ??https://t.co/NQ9SSSBbVT #DCvRCB #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/F8E4EAIX0q

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 27, 2021

Pant was trying hard, but he can’t find the gaps: Deep Dasgupta

The 43-year-old says that Rishabh Pant would be “feeling terrible” after the loss despite him and Shimron Hetmyer remaining unbeaten with half-centuries to their name. Pant had a disappointing day at the office as he could hit only 6 fours – 2 in the last over – and not a single maximum in his 58-run knock as he struggled to find gaps in his 48-ball stay.

While Hetmyer brought Delhi close to the target with a blinder of 53 runs off 25 balls, the skipper failed to seal the chase and an opportunity to move to the top of the points table.

“He’ll be feeling terrible right now because it’s kind of an innings where he was trying hard, but every time he hit a good shot it went straight to a fielder. It’s one of those days where as a batsman you can’t find the gaps. It was a great game though, but definitely, he will be absolutely shattered,” the cricketer-turned-commentator stated.

While RCB climbs up again to the top of the table with their 5th win, the Capitals are situated at the 3rd position. They will next face Eoin Morgan’s Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday.

Also Read: IPL 2021: Won’t Give Rishabh Pant Even 5 Marks Out Of 10 For Captaincy, Virender Sehwag Slams Delhi Capitals Skipper After Loss Against RCB