Sunil Gavaskar Slams Rajasthan Royals for ‘Baffling, Unthinking Cricket’ in IPL 2023
In a scathing critique, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has lambasted the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for their dismal performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. With the team reeling from five consecutive losses, including a heart-wrenching defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Thursday in Jaipur, RR’s campaign is teetering on the brink of collapse. Currently languishing with just 4 points from 9 matches, their playoff hopes are fading fast.
Gavaskar, known for his sharp analysis, did not hold back while dissecting RR’s lackluster showing. Speaking to the broadcaster after the RCB game, he termed the team’s approach as ‘baffling’ and ‘unthinking cricket’. Having witnessed the match live from the ground, Gavaskar expressed surprise at the stark contrast between the team’s tactics and the meticulous mindset of their coach, Rahul Dravid. “With someone like Rahul Dravid as the coach, it was quite baffling. Dravid was always so precise in his thinking, and I would’ve thought that kind of approach would’ve seeped into some of the Rajasthan batters,” Gavaskar remarked.
Delving deeper into the team’s shortcomings, the cricketing legend questioned the thought process behind RR’s gameplay. “Where is the thought process there? You can’t expect inexperienced players to always get it right, but still… it’s just a different kind of cricket,” he added. Indeed, RR’s recent performances have been agonizing for fans, with the team losing their last three matches in the final over despite being in commanding positions to seal the victories.
The absence of regular captain Sanju Samson, sidelined due to a niggling injury, has only compounded RR’s woes. While Samson’s leadership and batting prowess have been missed, other key players like Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana, and Shimron Hetmyer have struggled to deliver consistently. Parag, who showed promise earlier in the tournament with a couple of brisk knocks, has faltered under pressure, managing just 121 runs in 9 innings at an average of 13.44. Similarly, Hetmyer’s explosive batting has been sporadic, often failing to finish close chases.
On the bowling front, RR appear overly reliant on pace spearhead Jofra Archer, whose fiery spells have been a rare positive. However, Archer alone cannot shoulder the burden, especially with the team visibly missing the guile of their spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal. Ashwin, with his variations, and Chahal, with his deceptive leg-spin, were pivotal in RR’s title-winning campaign in 2008 and runner-up finish last season. Their absence due to minor injuries has left a gaping hole in the middle overs, allowing opposition batsmen to dominate.
With five crucial matches remaining in the league stage, including tough fixtures against table-toppers Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, RR’s road to redemption looks steep. However, a glimmer of hope remains if they can address their tactical blunders and rally as a unit. The upcoming clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 7 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium could be a make-or-break moment for the 2008 champions.
As Rajasthan Royals scramble to salvage their season, Gavaskar’s words serve as a stark reminder of the high standards expected in the IPL. Will RR rediscover their winning formula under Dravid’s guidance, or will their campaign end in disappointment? For now, fans can only hope for a miraculous turnaround from a side that once epitomized flair and resilience in the world’s most competitive T20 league.