Sooryavanshi's stunning 93 takes RR closer to IPL playoffs
After a slow start, Sooryavanshi brought out the fireworks to practically make a mockery of a chase of 221
After a slow start, Sooryavanshi brought out the fireworks to practically make a mockery of a chase of 221
Scorer: Sudeep Poojar | Commentator: Vishal Dikshit
11.50pm That's the end of RR's losing streak of three games and the playoffs race continues. Five teams still in the race for one spot although Delhi Capitals look effectively out with that negative NRR. If you missed another day of how the 15-year-old is spending his summer vacations, you will be able to read the match report soon enough. Until next time, it's good bye and good luck from Vishal Dikshit and Abhijato. Ciao!
Here's the presentation:
Sooryavanshi is the Player of the Match, for the third time: I was sitting while bowling and the wicket looked good, I didn't want to rush and take me time. I knew that was going to help the other batter too. I always knew I could hit anytime and didn't want to rush at all. I don't read papers and all, I just think this is the start and if I have a long career then a lot of things will be said. I just want to focus on my game. (on his fifty celebrations) Even I don't know what that was, even the last game's celebration didn't mean anything. I just keep trying new things (laughs). We just want to focus on the last game and enjoy it, and we want to win.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Everyone put the hard yards and worked rally well. The way Jofra and Brijesh bowled, we knew it was a good pitch. The way they bowed after the powerplay. the way Vaibhav batted absolutely killed the game. And the support staff as well behind the scenes. Brijesh and Sandy had some niggles so I had to manage them. But Brijesh came back, so I had to take those decisions. I really enjoyed it and the way they showed character, because we knew it was going to be a big score on this pitch. It was unbelievable. I wanted to play good cricketing shots and get the momentum. Vaibhav and I said one of us should play till the end and he killed the game. (on the last game) I just want to play with a smile and enjoy the game.
11.35pm Lap of honor for the Rajasthan Royals players as it's their last home game while Mr Goenka, the LSG owner, has a chat with Sooryavanshi.
Rishabh Pant: In the middle overs, the way Archer bowled the last over was really good. Here we could have scored five or 10 more runs but we couldn't in the last over. You always want to back your bowlers but it's hard. On a wicket like this it's hard, and too many suggestions also doesn't work. Experience is something you'll always miss, it takes years to get that. It always keeps you out for sure in pressure situation. Definitely the left-handers (to not bowl Shahbaz earlier), so we bowled Rathi and we didn't want to expose Shahbaz. I'm proud of the team regardless. It doesn't take away the fact that we're a f***ing good team.
Abby: "Rishabh Pant..you were on live cam national tv, my friend!"
Arun: "DC is out, I guess due to poor NRR"
Yash Raj Punja: I just feel like with the way we started, I wasn't trying anything fancy and put the pressure back o the batting team and stay composed. This season, I try to keep it simple and talk to the coaches to execute. There was pressure in the previous game as well but it's all about learning from experience and taking a second longer to bowl, which worked for me today. The death bowlers did quite well as well. I'm just trying to take it one match at a time, lot of things to learn before coming back next season. It's an amazing environment and makes it easier to express ourselves.
11.25pm Rajasthan Royals overtake Punjab Kings on the table as celebrations, high-fives and fist-bumps take over the home dugout. That's Punjab Kings slipping out of the top four first time this IPL! What a downfall for them, although they can still go through. PBKS and RR have one game each to go and have positive NRRs, while CSK, DC and KKR are all in the negative among the teams still in contention. But let's not forget what a night it was for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who absolutely demolished this 221 chase despite starting much slower than usual. Jaiswal, the captain today, did the early damage and then Sooryavanshi took over with his sixes all around.
Two to go only. Penalty for LSG too, for slow over rate. Four fielders allowed outside the circle. Pant chats with Rathi about the last over. It's either Akash or someone who hasn't bowled yet, because everyone else is done. Shahbaz Ahmad it is
"I think he has at least four or five levels to unlock in his batting"
Between two awkward interactions before and after the game, Pant was central to LSG's slowdown as his team endured another loss
During his 38-ball 93 against LSG, Sooryavanshi played the uppercut and the ramp for the first time in a televised game
Former Australia Test batter and Lucknow coach says Sooryavanshi will only get better, "which is scary for world cricket"
The WI batter hit 59 in an IPL season in 2012. The RR batter is on 53 with one league game still left