Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron offered advice to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) following the loss to the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Varun Aaron stated that the Rajasthan Royals should fix their middle order in a crucial stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Rajasthan Royals suffered their first consecutive loss in the Indian Premier League 2024. The Sanju Samson-led team lost to the Punjab Kings by five wickets in Guwahati on Wednesday, May 15. However, they qualified for the playoffs in the ongoing tournament.
The Royals posted a below-par total of 144 runs after winning the toss. Riyan Parag top-scored for RR, scoring 48 runs off 34 balls with six fours. Ravichandran Ashwin scored 28 runs off 19 balls, but the remaining batters failed to make an impact in the recent match.
Sam Curran anchored the chase, guiding them to a comfortable victory in 18.5 overs. He scored 63 runs off 41 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes. Curran, who took two wickets with the ball, was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his all-round contributions.
Rajasthan Royals Should Be Worried – Varun Aaron
Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Varun Aaron expressed concerns about the Rajasthan Royals’ middle order. Aaron emphasized the importance of addressing this issue ahead of the playoff matches in the tournament.
“Initially, I was thinking that it’s a blip. They’re going to pick it up, but now it’s actually getting worrying. They should be worried. They have to really figure out their middle order. Because going into the tournament, in the pressure games, the middle order is going to come to the fore, and they will have to deliver. So they should be worried, especially about the middle order,” Varun Aaron said.
‘RR’s form not a blip, but a worry’ @VarunAaron | #TimeOut pic.twitter.com/lKwF3iBlMW
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 16, 2024
The Royals began the season strongly, securing eight wins in their first nine games. However, the Sanju Samson-led team suffered defeats against SunRisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals (DC), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Punjab Kings in their subsequent matches.
RR is in second place in the table with 16 points from 13 matches. While they have secured a playoff berth, their recent losses have jeopardized their chances of securing a top-two finish. They will face the Kolkata Knight Riders at the same venue on Sunday, May 19.
We Have A Lot Of Match-Winners In The Side – Sanju Samson
At the post-match presentation, Sanju Samson expressed disappointment following their recent loss to the Punjab Kings. Samson emphasized the need for individual players to step up and deliver match-winning performances.
“Yes, this is a team sport, but we have a lot of match-winners on the side, and we need individuals to step up. So it’s about having the right characters who can play with passion, and single-handedly win the game for us. If all of us try that, and even a couple [of players] manage to step up, it would make a difference. We need those characters who can carry us,” Samson said.
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