IPL 2018: "Lack of partnership cost us the game," Rajasthan Royals skipper Ajinkya Rahane

Rajasthan Royals lost the first game after a poor show by their batting unit.

Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Rajasthan Royals in fourth IPL 2018 match. | IANS

Rajasthan Royals (RR) started off their season with a huge defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The hosts, SRH defeated RR by nine wickets as their bowlers continued the misery started by the batsmen.

Rajasthan captain Ajinkya Rahane deplored the lack of partnership by them. "We thought on this wicket, 150-160 would have been ideal total because ball was doing the bit and medium pacers got good help. But, we didn't get that one partnership. I think we lost crucial wickets in between. Partnership was the key in between," Rahane said 

RR is coming back after 2 years and they aren't playing with the same core like Chennai Super Kings did. However, they also have a strong side.

"I think foreigners who played, they are really good. D'Arcy Short, he did really well in Big Bash, did well for Australia recently, Jos Butler and Stokes, we all know how dangerous they are and Ben Laughlin is an experienced bowler in T20 cricket," he added.

Speaking about the absence of Australian skipper Steve Smith, Rahane said, "Definitely, Steve Smith is a quality player. We are not thinking about him right now. It's all about how we can contribute."

Rajasthan were restricted to 125/9 in the first innings before Sunrisers chased down the target with nine wickets and 25 balls to spare.

Rahane praised the SRH bowling unit for an impactful bowling display. "He (Kaul) bowled well. I think him, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Stanlake, three of them they bowled really well. I think Siddharth Kaul, he changed his pace really well. He was bowling, hitting the length hard and that was the key aspect" he said. 

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 10 Apr, 2018

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