The Rajasthan Royals have four wins from four matches and showing incredible form in all departments of the game. A team led by Australian cricketer Steve Smith looks to be the favourites in every match they are playing.
Against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, it wasn’t different. Like what they have been doing in the past, the Royals were clinical in their approach and kept putting pressure on the Hyderabad team from the time they took the field. In the end, it turned out to be a last ball thriller.
The surprise package of the match was Dhawal Kulkarni’s spell, who was at his best. The right-arm removed Shikhar Dhawan early and his spell eventually ensured that Hyderabad were trying to catch up after losing their captain David Warner, who got out to a direct throw from Ajinkya Rahane.
Then with the bat, Rahane did what has been doing from the start of the IPL. He was in his usual best and working out to be the best player of his team at the top of order. This Mumbai based batsman doesn’t try anything extravagant, but only plays his shots as per the merit of the ball.
The fact that the Royals are right now on top of their game, Rahane is the one of most important factors behind it. He seems to be improving with every game that he plays whether for the India team or for the Royals.
Rahane’s 56-ball 62 was the highlight of the Royals innings. However, when they take on the Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad on Saturday, that match will test their skills. They will be up against a team who mean only business.
Like always, this CSK team is ruthless and there aren’t any team in the league which can consistently challenge the MS Dhoni led side. Out and out, CSK have the edge over their opponents and the Royals have their task cut out. In other words, this is the match to watch out for!
