IPL 2018: Rajasthan ready to counter Bangalore despite Buttler's absence, says Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat rates RCB as a ‘ruthless’ team in the IPL 2018.

Rajasthan Royals have to beat RCB to be in the IPL 2018 | AFP

Rajasthan Royals would be certainly missing the services of their premier batsman Jos Buttler, who has been the backbone of their batting line-up in the ongoing IPL 2018 so far, for their must-win encounter against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Jaipur on Saturday (19 May).

The English man has been crucial for the Royals in the ongoing IPL season so far, having amassed 548 runs in 13 games at a strike-rate of 155.4 to help the franchise to remain in the contention for the Playoffs, but Buttler along with Ben Stokes had to leave the franchise for the national commitments.

Now, Ajinkya Rahane and his team are all set to face the in-form Virat Kohli and his RCB will be without their star Jos in their do-or-die IPL 2018 encounter. Buttler and Stokes’ absence might make things difficult for the hosts, as the Royals and RCB both have 12 points and they need to win this match with big difference to make it to the Playoffs; otherwise, they both have to say goodbye to the tournament for this season, as it is their last match of the 2018 season.

Meanwhile, RR pacer Jaydev Unadkat also admitted that Buttler’s absence is a huge blow to the franchise against the ‘ruthless’ RCB.

As per reports in Hindustan Times, Unadkat said at the pre-match press conference on Friday, “(Jos) Butler was our best batsmen till now and his absence will surely be felt. However, the players who will replace him and Stokes will be motivated to justify their selection and it will be unfair to put extra pressure on them ahead of such a crucial encounter.”

On the other, Stokes and Jos’ depart will be a great opportunity for the other youngsters to take responsibility and express their talent to shine in the tournament, says Jaydev. He further added, “The good thing about Rajasthan Royals is that we are not short of options. There are some international players who are extremely talented and this will be a great opportunity for them to shine.”

At the moment, Kohli and his Team is on the full swing in the IPL 2018, as their premier cricketers likes of AB de Villiers, Moeen Ali, and bowlers likes of Chahal and Siraj are in form which undoubtedly makes them favorite in Jaipur, but RR pacer said they are prepared to counter their attack here.

The 29-6-year-old added, “Virat (Kohli) and AB (De Villers) are playing brilliantly at the moment and we have special strategies in place for both of them. The problem with RR this season has been the inconsistency. We have been good in patches and we cannot afford to slip up in tomorrow’s game.”

He signed off by saying, “RCB are a ruthless side just like their captain. They like to play fearless cricket and their batting unit is one of the best in the tournament. But, we will be ready to counter attack and I believe that playing the last group stage encounter at our home ground will be a huge advantage for us.”

 

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 19 May, 2018

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