Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians by eight wickets in Dubai to keep their hope alive in this year’s IPL. It was a much-needed win for Steve Smith’s men which was given to them by Ben Stokes and Sanju Samson’s 152-run stand. However, personally, it was a disappointing game for RR skipper Steve Smith. He scored 11 off 8 balls before inside edging a delivery from his countryman James Pattinson.
Meanwhile, for KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir is disappointed with the Royals sticking with Smith despite his failures after the first two games. His modes of dismissal have also been very similar. He has been dismissed with the ball coming in and he edging it to his stumps. He has been bowled twice in the tournament so far. Two of his dismissals caught the inside edge of the bat caught by the keeper.
Steve Smith Eating Up an Overseas Spot-Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir said that Smith is eating up a valuable overseas spot in the side despite failing with the bat. He said that Oshane Thomas can replace Smith in the line-up which will add strength to their bowling line-up. Thomas with his pace can be an ideal foil for Jofra Archer believes Gambhir.
“I think Steve Smith is the main issue for Rajasthan Royals, let’s be honest. I have been saying it from Day 1.Steve Smith drops himself and RR can pick themselves Oshane Thomas or any other overseas seamer in his place alongside Jofra Archer. His performance will go up” Gambhir said on ESPNCricinfo.
Addition of Thomas will help Jofra Archer to bowl three overs in the powerplay which will allow the Royals to kill the game then and there believes Gambhir.
“If they had one more overseas pacer, they could have bowled 3 overs from Archer in the first six – and try and actually seal the game then and there. Just because you know there is not enough depth and quality apart from Jofra Archer, so you have to only use 2 overs from Archer,” Gambhir added.
Meanwhile, the Royals produced another brilliant performance with the bat chasing 195 with four balls to spare. Stokes scored his second IPL hundred, while Samson scored his third fifty of the season.
