Rajasthan Royals (RR) director of cricket and head coach Kumar Sangakkara on Friday (April 1) expressed his delight for having a full-strength bowling line-up at their disposal when other teams are struggling with their overseas recruits in the ongoing IPL.
RR began their IPL 2022 campaign with a resounding 61-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as the bowling attack featuring Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Yuzvendra Chahal did a commendable job.
“It’s always nice to have such high quality in your attack. To have them available throughout is another great plus,” Sangakkara said in a virtual media interaction on the eve of their match against Mumbai Indians.
While many sides are struggling with the unavailability of overseas players, the Royals have done a tremendous job in ensuring that bowling options such as Jimmy Neesham and Obed McCoy are available for the full season.
“The bowling and batting equally make a huge impact in T20 cricket, especially on flat wickets. So, it’s really a confidence booster to have that bowling strength always present.”
One of IPL’s leading wicket-takers (170 scalps from 122 matches), Lasith Malinga, joined the Royals as the fast bowling coach after his retirement last year.
For the IPL 2022 season, Rajasthan Royals have roped in Lasith Malinga as fast bowling coach. Malinga was associated with Mumbai Indians since 2009. He played a key role in MI’s multiple triumphs over the years and also served the franchise as a bowling mentor in the past.
Lasith Malinga, who retired from the game last year, is also one of the highest wicket takers in IPL history. In 122 IPL games, he has claimed 170 scalps with an economy of 7.14 and the best figures of 5/13.
“It’s really exciting to have him. It’s really huge. The bowlers really enjoy talking to him, while he’s there at the top of their marks. Discussing and debating fields and deliveries. He’s been exceptional,” Sangakkara said about Malinga.
On Malinga’s role, he added: “He’s just directing the players to keep things simple, what the strengths are and how they are going to approach the situations and the batters.”
RR also have another former MI pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile in their ranks.
“Everyone brings knowledge and experience into the mix. Players change around in terms of auctions at various times. It’s good to have their experience in the side,” Sangakkara said.
The middle-order batting has always been a concern for the Royals, but Sangakkara said the players’ are aware of their roles.
“There are always times when anyone can struggle in a long season. At various times, the key is to have the ability around to support that and to have players understand that.
“It’s the natural way of cricket. Unfortunately, we can’t have good day everyday… we try and very hard. Good days and bad days are part and parcel of the game,” he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)
