Kumar Sangakkara, Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) director of cricket and head coach, believes that they can turn things around in the upcoming IPL edition after enduring three successive dismal seasons.
According to Sangakkara, RR have put an exciting and strong squad for the IPL 2022 season, slated to get underway on March 26.
“We know we had quite a bit of work to do in the off-season with regards to our team. I think we managed to identify the key areas which needed our attention and having had a proper process when it comes to selecting players at the auction, we managed to kind of hit the markers that we set for ourselves,” Sangakkara said in a team statement.
“I think the franchise has done an amazing job to put this exciting and strong squad together,” he added.
In particular, the former Sri Lanka skipper is pleased with the signing of leading spinners R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal.
“We’ve got the two best spinners in the IPL in terms of off-spin and leg-spin in Chahal and Ashwin. We have Boult, Prasidh, Saini, Coulter-Nile, McCoy, which makes up for a very exciting pace unit supported by of course the retentions of Yashasvi, Samson and Buttler.
“We have secured depth in every department, with Neesham, Mitchell and van der Dussen being exciting cricketers. We’ve got some really exciting and young cricketers from India as well. The main thing is that we have a very competent side. We tried to get the core right and get the right players for the roles.
“But now, the main thing irrespective of what the squad is, is actual match performance on the field, and how we can give everyone the freedom to go out there and perform,” expressed Sangakkara.
Rajasthan Royals finished on the 7th, 8th and 7th spots in the last three seasons. They will open their IPL 2022 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 29.
Reflecting on the last year’s campaign, Kumar Sangakkara said: “I think there were a lot of different reasons for that, not just one or two.
“Whether it was player availability, split tournament, bigger break, and not the best of match performances in terms of batting or bowling. But that is all in the past now, and that’s why the squad has changed.”
Sangakkara also shared their thoughts on compatriot Lasith Malinga and Paddy Upton’s addition to the Royals’ coaching staff.
“My job really is to add value to the franchise through myself or through people that I would recommend.
“It’s first about what value that person brings and how constantly they can help us improve. It’s pretty obvious for everyone to see the standards of both Lasith and Paddy. They’ve had stellar careers with their respective teams in their jobs and can prove to be vital elements in our quest for the title.”
The Sri Lankan batting legend also paid tribute to Royals’ first skipper Shane Warne, who passed away earlier this month due to a suspected heart attack.
“He’s a great loss for the cricket world, a great loss for cricketers around the world, because he was such an approachable guy, who had great knowledge. He was a very good friend, and I really enjoyed my time with him, the conversations we used to have. I think everyone will miss him.”
(With PTI inputs)
