IPL 2018: Captain Ajinkya Rahane asks RR batsmen to step up

Ajinkya Rahane feels the Royals need to improve their fielding.

Rajasthan faced 11-run loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home | IANS

Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) captain Ajinkya Rahane seems highly disappointed with his batters, saying the batsmen should take responsibility, and ask them to step up in the coming matches following their 11-run defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a home IPL 2018 encounter on Sunday (April 29).

Although, Rahane admitted that his bowlers have done the brilliant job by bowling out the SRH for 151, but the lack of partnerships in the middle overs costs them the Jaipur match.

As per reports in Wisden India, Rahane told reports after the match, “I think 152 was gettable on this wicket. We felt we bowled really well. But (while batting) we didn’t get any partnerships, and the batsmen should take responsibility. The middle overs are really crucial and you have to build partnerships there and take it deep.”

The SRH bowlers successfully defended the total for the third successive match, though Rahane admitted that their bowling attack was good, RR batters should have been positive to win the match.

He further added, “They’ve got some good bowlers but it’s important to keep your intent positive all the time. Rashid (Khan) is doing really well but I feel against him, if you have that positive intent, you can get him easily. But he’s been bowling fantastically and all their bowlers too. Not just against this attack, you have to be positive against any attack. Running between the wickets and the odd boundaries are very crucial.”

The 29-year-old right-hander, who has made 65* against the SRH, is also stressed on the need to improve their fielding. Rahane signed off by saying, “We definitely need to improve our fielding. We have been working really hard in our preparation but it’s all about game-day, visualization, anticipation and having that intent on the field. Even if you drop a catch, after dropping it, your attitude matters a lot. I don’t think we played to our potential here. It’s important for guys to step up.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 30 Apr, 2018

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