Rajasthan Royals (RR) bagged two crucial points as they beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by four wickets while banking on Jos Buttler’s unbeaten knock at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur in the match No. 43rd of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
Wicketkeeper-batsman Buttler remained unbeaten on 95 runs off just 60 deliveries to see his team through. His struck 11 boundaries and two sixes as he brought his fourth consecutive fifty.
Stuart Binny (22) and Krishnappa Gowtham (13 off 4) provided good support as Rajasthan cruised to victory with one ball to spare.
Meanwhile, previously, Chennai put up few good partnerships to post 176 runs on the board. Although the visitors lost an early wicket, Suresh Raina and Shane Watson ensured that they are well on track.
Lately, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni played a responsible knock to guide his team to a good score after Chennai lost few wickets in the middle.
Rajasthan now collected 10 points from 11 games and will look to continue the winning momentum.
Here is the players rating for Rajasthan Royals:
Ajinkya Rahane (c): (3/10)
The Royals skipper Ajinkya Rahane has struggled in the last few games after getting a good start to this league. However, he will be keen to hit back to form and contribute to team’s success.
Rahane got out cheaply scoring only four runs.
Jos Buttler (wk): (9.9/10):
Jos Buttler has been in scintillating form since he started opening the innings for the Royals. Moreover, he has struck four back-to-back half-centuries to shift gears for Rajasthan.
However, he single-handed defeated CSK as he remained unbeaten on 95 runs from 60 deliveries.
Prashant Chopra: (4/10):
The batsman from Himachal Pradesh Prashant Chopra had a poor debut as he got out cheaply scoring only eight runs.
However, he has a lot of capability and will look to prove in the next game.
Sanju Samson: (5.5/10):
Sanju Samson, who has had an outstanding series so far will curse on himself for not converting the start.
The Kerala-based batsman departed scoring 21 runs, however, will have to finish games.
Royals camp will want an improved performance from the youngster in the next outing.
Ben Stokes: (4.5/10):
Star all-rounder Stokes got a promotion in the batting order but failed to replicate his performance from the last season.
The English all-rounder is yet to justify his selection by contributing in bits and pieces.
Stokes chipped in with none for 31 before getting out, scoring only seven runs.
Stuart Binny: (6.5/10):
Stuart Binny provided a good support to Buttler, thus justifying his selection in the playing XI.
The all-rounder chipped in with 22 runs from 17 deliveries to take his team closer to the target.
Krishnappa Gowtham: (7.5/10):
Krishnappa Gowtham has come good in the second part of the league. After having few average games, he has finally started contributing to both the department.
He played a quickfire 14 runs off four deliveries to take his team closer to the target.
Jofra Archer: (6/10):
Jofra Archer was a bit expensive against CSK after giving a string of good performances. Although he claimed two wickets, the seamer gave away 42 runs.
He will look to come to form with Royals fighting for a playoff spot.
Ankit Sharma: (2/10):
Ankit Sharma had an average first game in this edition of the league. He bowled only one over and gave away 11 runs.
He will be desperate to prove his worth if he gets another opportunity.
Jaydev Unadkat: (4/10):
Jaydev Undakat’s struggle with form continued as he once again failed to impress. The left-arm spinner returned with none for 34 in his full quota.
Undakat needs to justify Rajasthan’s decision to buy him at such a huge price.
Ish Sodhi: (5./10):
The leg-spinner from New Zealand Ish Sodhi is having a great time in India. He is containing the free run flow in the middle-overs and is chipping in one or two wickets.
Sodhi returned with one for 29 in his four overs for Rajasthan Royals.
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