Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh heaped praise on the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the first qualifier between RR and Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 24 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
He believes that RR is the best franchise to have ever made full use of R Ashwin and hails the franchise for showing faith in the veteran cricketer’s all-around abilities.
Notably, Ashwin has been doing a brilliant job with the bat for RR when they needed it the most in the ongoing IPL 2022. In 14 matches, the off-spinner has only managed 183 runs and 11 wickets for his new franchise.
Harbhajan Singh said on 'Cricket Live' on Star Sports: “Rajasthan Royals should be credited for showing faith in Ashwin's all-round abilities and this is the best franchise to have ever made full use of R Ashwin. No franchise has ever utilized Ashwin's batting talent before but this team has promoted him up in the batting order and he's won them a match with the bat. They have understood the true potential of R Ashwin and full credit to Ashwin for reposing the faith of the franchise as well.”
Meanwhile, the former spinner believes that the Orange Cap holder, Jos Buttler (629 runs), will have to adjust to the pitches in Kolkata in the first qualifier against Gujarat Titans (GT).
He further explained, “Jos Buttler will have to adjust to the pitches in Kolkata. The pitches in Maharashtra have slowed down as the tournament reached its business end but the Eden Gardens track will be fresh, so not just Buttler, every batter will have to make that necessary adjustment.”
Harbhajan signed off by saying, “Coming to Buttler, I feel that he seems to have peaked very early and that is a reason why runs are not flowing through his bat in the latter part of the tournament. He's a great player and he'll have to go back to his basics to regain his form.”
(With ANI Inputs)
