In a season full of excessive hopes and vital challenges, Rajasthan Royals (RR) head coach Rahul Dravid has brazenly expressed his disappointment following the workforce’s latest defeat to Punjab Kings. This loss marks RR’s tenth within the IPL 2025 season, positioning them ninth on the factors desk. Dravid highlighted points throughout all departments, emphasising that the workforce’s efficiency has not met expectations. Regardless of a promising begin to the season, together with a standout century by younger expertise Vaibhav Suryavanshi, RR has struggled to take care of consistency, notably in dying bowling and middle-order batting.
After RR’s 8-wicket loss to Punjab Kings, Dravid acknowledged the workforce’s shortcomings, stating, “There is no level simply blaming the batsman. I believe with the ball additionally, to be sincere, I did not assume it was a 220 wicket, it was a couple of 195, 200 wicket, and we gave 20 runs further.”
“If we have a look at the numbers, we now have in all probability not been adequate with the ball. Each at taking wickets and controlling runs. We’re chasing 200-220 each sport,” he added.
He identified that conceding further runs has been a recurring concern, making it difficult for the batting unit to chase down excessive totals. Dravid additionally famous that the workforce has typically discovered itself in good positions however did not capitalise, notably within the lower-middle order, the place large photographs have been missing.
“It has been a troublesome one. We have shut, however we have not been in a position to end the job. It has been a type of sort of seasons the place you all the time really feel with the ball that we in all probability give 15-20 runs further and you then’ve received your self in some actually good positions to win the video games, however we have not been in a position to end the job and a bit bit round that decrease, lower-middle order we simply have not been in a position to click on and get the massive photographs that we’d like,” admitted Dravid.
RR’s dying bowling has been a big concern all through the season. In matches in opposition to Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, the workforce conceded over 70 runs within the closing 5 overs, highlighting the necessity for higher execution within the closing phases of the sport. Dravid emphasised that whereas the plans have been sound, the execution has fallen quick, resulting in unfavorable outcomes.
The workforce’s efficiency has drawn criticism from cricketing greats, together with Sunil Gavaskar, who expressed his confusion over RR’s lack of strategic play, particularly underneath Dravid’s steering. Gavaskar remarked, “With somebody like Rahul Dravid because the coach, it was fairly baffling, it was unthinking cricket.” He questioned the workforce’s decision-making and strategy throughout essential moments, suggesting a deeper flaw of their technique.
Regardless of the workforce’s struggles, younger prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been a brilliant spot. The 14-year-old made headlines with a 35-ball century in opposition to the Gujarat Titans, showcasing his immense potential. Nonetheless, he additionally confronted setbacks, together with a two-ball duck in opposition to Mumbai Indians, underscoring the highs and lows {of professional} cricket. Dravid has urged for sensible expectations concerning Suryavanshi’s efficiency, emphasizing the significance of supporting younger expertise by way of each successes and challenges.
“I imply, it has been 5 video games now the place the margins have actually one or two hits which you want in that part, which we simply have not been in a position to do,” stated Dravid after the sport. “So it is not that we have been dropping too many wickets, we’re nonetheless solely 5 down at the moment, however we simply have not been in a position to hit these photographs.”
As RR prepares for his or her closing match of the season in opposition to Chennai Tremendous Kings, the main focus shifts to salvaging satisfaction and avoiding the underside spot on the desk. Dravid’s management and expertise shall be essential in guiding the workforce by way of this difficult interval. The season’s outcomes spotlight the necessity for introspection and strategic changes to construct a extra resilient and constant workforce in future campaigns.
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