Rajasthan Royals had an inconsistent run in the first half of the Indian Premier League 2021. The Sanju Samson-led side finished with three wins and four losses and had a decent chance of making it to the top four at the start of this UAE leg.
However, things have gone haywire for the Royals as they managed to get out of jail in the game against Punjab Kings. Since that win, the franchice have lost three games in a row. The middle-order batting hasn’t fired and they have relied heavily on skipper while the bowling has remained inconsistent.
Former cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar wasn’t pleased with the tactics and team selections. The ex-India international said that he is surprised to see that RR haven’t reacted to the poor form of the players and that despite having Kumar Sangakkara in the support staff.
The likes of Tabraiz Shamsi, David Miller and Glenn Phillips are warming the benches as far as the international cricketers are concerned. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube and Shreyas Gopal are the big Indian names sitting on the bench.
“When you look at people like Shivam Dube sitting on the bench, it’s just a team that frustrates me with the tactics and selections. And, what can you do? I think they can have Tabraiz Shamsi, just like an X-factor or throw in Gopal just for a change.
Chris Morris has been disappointing which has hurt Rajasthan’s strange selection. Considering Kumar Sangakkara is there, I am surprised that they have not reacted to the performances on the field. There are few players who are carrying on playing, but not performing,”
Manjrekar was quoted saying to ESPNCricinfo.
After the win against Punjab, RR have now lost three games in a row. They now have five wins and seven losses and need to win every single game from hereon to stand a chance of making it to the top four. Their last three games are scheduled against Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.
