Rajasthan Royals’ strategy of keeping Jos Buttler away from the wicket-keeping gloves and the opening slot did not go well with former English captain Michael Vaughan. Royals lost their season opener against Punjab Kings by four runs last night after a thrilling battle on the field. RR went with their skipper Sanju Samson as the keeper while Ben Stokes accompanied Manan Vohra to open RR’s innings with the bat. The decision surprised Vaughan, and he expressed his displeasure on Twitter. “Having @josbuttler behind the stumps for his tactical experience is crucial … Why isn’t he keeping @rajasthanroyals!????,” tweeted Vaughan criticising the strategy.
Having @josbuttler behind the stumps for his tactical experience is crucial … Why isn’t he keeping @rajasthanroyals !???? #IPL2021
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 12, 2021
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His frustration further went up after the opening job was assigned to Stokes and Vohra. “And now @josbuttler doesn’t Open !!!!!!!!!! What are you thinking @rajasthanroyals,” tweeted Vaughan. Buttler came in at number 4 and partnered with captain Samson. He served the position well with the bat, contributed 25 off 13 balls. He smashed Indian Premier League debutant Jhye Richardson for four consecutive boundaries. But a leg-cutter from Richardson proved to be the pitfall for Buttler.
Jos Buttler Not Opening For Rajasthan Royals Frustrates Michael Vaughan
And now @josbuttler doesn’t Open !!!!!!!!!! What are you thinking @rajasthanroyals !!!!! #IPL
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 12, 2021
Captain Samson’s 119 off 63 was the top score in the match. He smashed 12 fours and 7 maximums. Vaughan applauded Samson for his innings and termed it as one of the greatest IPL innings. “One of the GREAT #IPL innings @IamSanjuSamson !!! What a game of cricket … The IPL is bloody incredible … no other T20 comp has so many close games …” he tweeted.
One of the GREAT #IPL innings @IamSanjuSamson !!! What a game of cricket … The IPL is bloody incredible … no other T20 comp has so many close games … #India
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 12, 2021
Earlier, in the match, PKBS skipper KL Rahul smashed 91 off 50 balls, and Deepak Hooda racked up a quick 64 from 28 balls. Chris Gayle piled up 40 runs off 28 balls and helped PBKS post 221 runs in their allotted 20 overs. RR gave a tough fight and made the match swing throughout their innings but lost the match by 4 runs.
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