Rajasthan Royals missed regular captain Sanju Samson against Lucknow Super Giants due to an abdominal injury, confirmed bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule.
Rajasthan Royals bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule admitted the absence of skipper Sanju Samson was a major setback during their recent clash with Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur. Samson, who missed the match due to an abdominal injury, had earlier played as an Impact Player because of a finger injury. Riyan Parag stepped in as captain in his absence.
“We missed Sanju. I think they will assess his situation and will let us know,” Bahutule said at the post-match press conference. The coach also praised 14-year-old debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi. “I just feel he’s a great kid with a really good head on his shoulders. I think he’s got a game which is almost 360 degrees,” he added. “The approach at that age is also very dominating, and he wants to play shots. He doesn’t feel that he is playing against some particular bowler. His theory is to watch the ball and hit the ball.”
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Bahutule also defended experienced pacer Sandeep Sharma, who conceded 27 runs in the final over that tilted the match in LSG’s favour. “Sandeep is a fabulous bowler. He’s always bowled those important and tough overs. In the previous match too, he bowled 2 overs with very few runs, 5 and 7 runs,” Bahutule noted. “We forget those important overs, and we keep emphasising on overs which he has not bowled well. But I think for us, he is a 100% giver and the team backs him.”
RR, who were comfortably placed at 156/2 in 17 overs while chasing, ended up short, and now face a must-win match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru to stay in the playoff race.
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