Not CSK! Steve Smith names the IPL team that will stay unbeaten in IPL 2024
Published - 30 Mar 2024, 03:03 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:08 AM
Australian cricketer Steve Smith believes that the Rajasthan Royals will be hard to beat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Steve Smith remarked that the Rajasthan Royals seem to be the most well-balanced team in the ongoing prestigious tournament.
The Rajasthan Royals commenced their campaign with a notable victory over the Lucknow Super Giants in their season opener, securing a win by a margin of 20 runs. The Royals will host Rishabh Pant’s Delhi Capitals in their next match on Thursday, March 28.
In their head-to-head encounters in Jaipur, the Royals have emerged victorious in four out of six matches against the Delhi Capitals, who have won two. The most recent meeting between the two teams in Jaipur took place in 2019, where DC secured a six-wicket victory.
They Will Be Hard To Beat – Steve Smith
Speaking to Star Sports, Steve Smith pointed out the current trend of home teams winning in IPL 2024. Smith emphasized the formidable spinners in the Royals’ lineup, such as Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin.
“Home teams are winning at the moment. I am not ready for them to break the trend just yet. They look the complete team this year. They have got all the bases covered. Their spinners, I’m really keen to watch again. Chahal and Ashwin are outstanding. The two guys up top are potentially the two most destructive in the IPL. If they get going and have an incredible season, they will be hard to beat,” said Smith.
Buttler demonstrated remarkable performance in the 2022 season, scoring 863 runs in 17 matches. Jaiswal excelled in the 2023 season and scored 624 runs in 14 matches, setting a record for the highest runs scored by an uncapped player in a single IPL season.
Sanju Samson Played Beautifully – Steve Smith
Steve Smith highlighted Sanju Samson’s historical trend of starting IPL seasons strongly but declining later on. Smith emphasized the importance of Samson maintaining consistency throughout the season, particularly in leading from the front.
“He played beautifully, got them the win. He seems to be playing well, looks to be in a very good place. He looks comfortable. He is striking the ball really well. I think his captaincy was outstanding and he would want to continue that form.”
“His seasons in the past have tapered off a bit in the end, and that will be weighing on his mind. To keep that standard up and leading from the front,” said Smith.
Skipper Sanju Samson showcased an exceptional performance, scoring 82 runs off 52 balls, including three fours and six maximums. Riyan Parag, promoted to No. 4 in the batting order, contributed crucial 43 runs off 29 balls, featuring one four and three sixes.
Samson consistently delivers big knocks once he settles at the crease. He has mastered a balanced approach, alternating between ground strokes and aerial shots as needed. Maintaining this form and avoiding reckless strokes will be crucial for his continued success.
Rajasthan Royals Probable XII: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Nandre Burger, Ravichandran Ashwin, Avesh Khan, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal.
