Royal Challengers Bangalore Vs Rajasthan Royals: Player Ratings
The opening match on Sunday was absolutely fantastic. Over 400 runs were hit in the match and the batsmen in both the teams were exceptional. However, it wasn't a good day to be a fast bowler. Despite losing the toss, Rajasthan was sensational as they took the challenge to break down the RCB bowling lineup. Samson was stunning and scored a massive 92 which took Rajasthan to a colossal total of 217.
Rajasthan Royals
Ajinkya Rahane: 8/10
Despite having a bad knee, the skipper scored a magnificent 36 off just 20 balls. He didn’t play his usual game but managed to score quickly and take the pressure off D’arcy Short.
D’Arcy Short: 4.5/10
After having a fabulous big bash season, a lot was expected from the Australian opener. However, he didn’t have the greatest starts to his IPL career as he only managed to score 11 off 17 balls. This is probably a learning curve for Short as the conditions in the subcontinent are not similar to those in down under.
Sanju Samson: 10/10
Sanju Samson was absolutely stunning in Bangalore. He scored 92 off just 45 deliveries that included ten monstrous sixes to complete this mindblowing inning. The 23-year-old took complete control of the match and dominated all the seam bowlers. He would hope to continue his fantastic form in the upcoming matches for his team.
Ben Stokes: 5.5/10
The all-rounder was struggling at the beginning of the innings. However, he managed to score 27 off 21 balls and formed a decent partnership with Samson. With the ball, he was on the expensive side as he conceded 32 runs in 3 overs with a wicket. Moreover, he took a stunning catch to dismiss Brendon McCullum.
Jos Buttler: 4/10
The Englishman managed to score 23 off 14 deliveries and attempted to accelerate the scoreboard. However, he wasn’t able to continue his batting prowess as he was lost his wicket to his fellow countryman. Behind the stumps, Buttler had a horrific match as he missed a stumping and run out of the dangerous AB de Villiers. Luckily these missed chances didn’t cost the team a win.
Rahul Tripathi: 7/10
He scored a quick 14 off just five balls to finish the innings for the team. He didn’t have much to do the entire match.
Krishnappa Gowtham: 6/10
In a high scoring match, Gowtham had a decent outing as he conceded 36 runs in four overs and took a crucial wicket of the dangerous McCullum.
Shreyas Gopal: 9.5/10
He was definitely the game changer in the second innings as he took the wickets of the two best batsmen- Kohli and de Villiers. He was economical and bowled the right places to trouble all the batsmen of the opposing team.
Dhawan Kulkarni: 4/10
He bowled only one over and conceded 14 runs and didn’t have much to do the rest of the match.
Jaydev Unadkat: 2/10
The most expensive Indian player in the 2018 auction has failed to live up to the massive expectations again. He conceded 35 runs in his three overs and didn’t trouble any of the RCB batsmen.
Ben Laughlin: 3/10
The 35-year-old was picked up over Archer and was expensive. He conceded 46 runs in four overs and took a wicket as well. Rajasthan might make a change and bring the dangerous Jofra Archer.