"There are two sides to a cricket ground" - Simon Doull critical of RR batter Shimron Hetmyer's one-dimensional approach
Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull believes that Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Shimron Hetmyer's preference towards the leg side has proved to be the cause for his downfall on several occasions.
He suggested that Hetmyer must leave his one-dimensional approach and should consider playing shots on the off side as well. Doull pointed out that the left-handed batter only tries to clear his front leg and slog the ball on the leg side.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, he explained:
"Shimron Hetmyer is enormously talented, but he has become one-dimensional. He has become a leg side Larry. He's got to remember there's an off side to the ground. He is so big and powerful. He is such a strong individual. He's got a great base, but he has just become one-dimensional.
"Everything has become clear the front leg and hoick to the leg side. It doesn't have to be along the ground. He can hit it in the air. But I just think he's got to remember there are two sides to a cricket ground. If he can do that and give himself an opportunity to hit both sides, I feel like he's going to be a better player."
Hetmyer has mustered 253 runs from 23 innings in IPL 2023. The southpaw has an impressive strike rate of 149.70 to his name. Rajasthan will want the swashbuckling batter to fire with the bat in their remaining fixture, which also is a must-win one for them.
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RR take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Friday, May 19.
"They will need him to be at his best" - Simon Doull on Trent Boult's role in RR's final league match
Simon Doull further stated that Rajasthan should play star left-arm pacer Trent Boult in the crucial encounter against Punjab. The fast bowler has had to miss matches due to injury concerns this season.
The cricketer-turned-commentator emphasized that Boult must come back to the side even if he is 90 per cent fit, adding:
"They [RR] have monitored him and have been careful with him. You have to play these games. This is his job now. His job is not playing for New Zealand anymore, his job is playing franchise cricket.
"This is his biggest gig. If he's 90 per cent, he's got to play, and I know he will. He wants it, he wants it more than anything. He is one of the keys for them inside the powerplay. He has been so good over so many years. They will need him to be at his best."
Boult has featured in just nine matches in the latest edition and has bagged 12 wickets. He has bowled at a good economy rate of 8.14.