Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) spin bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, expressed his heartbreak following their narrow two-run loss against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a nail-biting encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Chasing 181, RR seemed well on course with just 25 runs required off the last 18 balls.
However, Avesh Khan’s clinical bowling in the death overs, which included defending nine runs in the final over and taking key wickets, turned the tide in LSG’s favuor. This marks the second time in a row that RR has failed to chase down a modest target in the final over, having previously faltered against the Delhi Capitals in a Super Over loss.
“To be honest, we’ve been playing good cricket. It’s just that the result has not gone away,” Bahutule remarked. He emphasized that despite the tension, the team remained composed in the dugout under head coach Rahul Dravid‘s guidance. “Everybody has played enough cricket in that dugout to know that one should not panic and take it as it comes.”
Missed Opportunities and Costly Overs
Bahutule acknowledged that RR had the game in their grasp but let it slip during the crucial death overs.
“I think when we had a partnership going, we could have finished it a couple of overs itself. But Avesh bowled that good over again,” he said. Adding to RR’s woes was Sandeep Sharma, who conceded four sixes in the final over of LSG’s innings, resulting in a massive 27-run over. Sandeep was also unable to defend 12 runs in the Super Over against DC earlier.
However, Bahutule came to Sandeep’s defense: “That doesn’t mean I can take anything away from him because he’s a fabulous bowler… Don’t think any team wins or loses because of a player. It is a team game.” He stressed the importance of remembering the good overs and not just the ones where bowlers faltered. “For us, he is a 100% giver. The team backs him, everybody backs him.”
No Rift, Just Execution Gaps
Despite four straight defeats, Bahutule denied any discord within the squad or coaching staff. “The clarity with us, with the support staff and the players and in the dressing room is absolutely the best I’ve seen,” he affirmed. He believes the team is playing good cricket but needs to cross the finish line more effectively. “Things are not going our way… but I feel it’s a young side and I’m sure everybody is hurting and they will learn from their mistakes.”
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