Former Indian opener and now commentator Aakash Chopra opined that Rajasthan Royals batting order is actually a disorder. Royals have not been able to find a perfect batting combination in the ongoing season and thus there has been a lot of chop and change.
Ben Stokes, who has found it difficult to get going, is opening the innings with Robin Uthappa, who has had a disappointing season thus far. Stokes has failed to hit a six in more than 100 deliveries he has faced whereas Uthappa hasn’t been consistent.
Jos Buttler, who is Rajasthan Royals best batsmen, is batting at number five. Smith had recently said that Buttler provides more stability in the middle-order after RR’s win over CSK by seven wickets.
Smith, who had opened the innings in the initial phase of the tournament, is now batting at number four. Sanju Samson had got off to a fine start in the tourney but once again had failed to come up with consistent knocks.
As the batters haven’t shown consistency, too many changes have been made in the batting order, which has led to the downfall of the team.
Chopra said while talking on his YouTube Channel, “Rajasthan Royals have an issue that their batting order is actually a disorder. Their batting order is beyond my understanding at this point of time because Jos Buttler, who is their best player is being sent at No.4 while they are opening with Ben Stokes, whose bat is not firing.”
In fact, Chopra took a dig at himself saying Stokes can’t play like the former Indian opener used to bat as he hasn’t even hit a six so far in the tournament.
“The extent to which Ben Stokes’ bat has not been firing can be understood by the fact that he has played more than 100 deliveries and he is yet to hit a six. They have signed Ben Stokes and not Aakash Chopra that he is scoring with just the fours and singles.”
Stokes has thus far scored 110 runs in five matches at a paltry average of 22 and a meagre strike rate of 106.79. Thus, Chopra feels Stokes is building pressure on the rest of the RR batsmen as he is not scoring at a brisk pace in the powerplay overs when only two fielders are outside the 30-yard circle.
“Rajasthan Royals had expectations from Ben Stokes but he is not able to deliver there but the entire innings is becoming slow. Because of that Sanju Samson plays a bad shot to get out as the pressure is mounting.”
Rajasthan Royals are in a pickle as they have won only four matches out of the 11 they have played. Hence, RR’s hopes of qualifying for the playoff stages are bleak and also rest on the result of other teams. RR will next face MI at Abu Dhabi on 25th October.
