In the wake of several coronavirus cases in the bio-bubbles, The Board of Control of Cricket for India (BCCI) had to postpone the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 until further notice. Rajasthan Royals had no brilliant season in the first half of the tournament, but they an encouraging one. The 2008 champions struggled with injuries of the foreign players like Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, and a couple of players backing out.
The team had a couple of positive things to look forward to. Sanju Samson emerged as a promising captain in IPL 2021. In the stint, he worked comfortably as the captain; while the players had enough room around him. They noted the growth of Chetan Sakariya as a player. Sakariya inspired a lot of fans. Despite bowling on the batting-friendly pitches in most of the games, Sakariya clubbed seven wickets in seven games.
Jos Buttler gifts a bat to Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashavi Jaiswal had not had an impressive start but in the last few games, Jaiswal partnered Jos Buttler brilliantly. He strengthened RR’s opening partnership. Jaiswal did not play the first few games for the franchise as Manan Vohra was preferred above him. But Vihra’s failure brought in opportunities for Jaiswal.
Before heading back home, Jos Buttler showed a warming gesture and appreciated Jaiswal’s talent. The franchise’s official account posted a picture of Buttler and Jaiswal, where the World Cup-winning keeper was gifting a bat to the young talent. “To Yash, enjoy your talent, best wishes for the future,” Buttler wrote on the bat.
A special gift from a special opening partner. 💓#HallaBol | #RoyalsFamily | @yashasvi_j | @josbuttler pic.twitter.com/VE3QIE0kct
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 4, 2021
Before the suspension of the tournament, Rajasthan played their last game against SunRisers Hyderabad. RR defeated the Orange Army by 55 runs banking on a century by Jos Buttler, which was his maiden T20 century.
A lot of positive cases had sprouted in Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday. On Tuesday, Delhi capitals’ Amit Mishra and SRH’s Wriddhiman Saha tested positive for Covid-19.
