IPL 2025: Manjrekar Commends Avesh's Unyielding Yorkers for LSG's Victory

Synopsis

Avesh Khan's remarkable yorkers in the death overs played a crucial role in Lucknow Super Giants' narrow win over Rajasthan Royals. Former player Sanjay Manjrekar and Ajay Jadeja analyzed the match dynamics and RR's struggle to close out games.

Key Takeaways

Avesh Khan's yorkers were decisive in securing LSG's victory.
RR was close to winning but faltered in the final moments.
Strong captaincy decisions were highlighted by Manjrekar.
RR needs to build confidence to finish games effectively.
Match showcased the importance of death overs in cricket.

New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar lauded Avesh Khan for his unyielding mastery of yorkers during the death overs, stating that his performance was pivotal in guiding the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to a thrilling two-run victory over the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

At the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, RR seemed on the brink of victory, requiring only 25 runs from 18 balls. However, Avesh Khan unleashed a series of precise yorkers, claiming three key wickets - those of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Shimron Hetmyer - in his final two overs.

He also defended nine runs in the last over, securing a memorable triumph for his team with impressive bowling figures of 3-37, marking RR's second consecutive narrow defeat.

"Avesh Khan was the architect of this win. He conceded just five runs in the 18th over and executed a brilliant final over."

“It was astute captaincy as well—Pant opted for current form over past reputation. Avesh relied on the yorker, the one delivery we seasoned players often emphasize. No extravagant variations—just steadfast yorkers. That’s what brought them back into a match they seemed to have lost,” remarked Manjrekar on JioHotsar.

Former India player Ajay Jadeja evaluated how RR transitioned from appearing set for victory to enduring their fourth straight defeat in the tournament.

“Things have unraveled for the Rajasthan Royals. It’s not that they’ve performed poorly—they’ve remained competitive. They needed merely 9 runs in the final over.”

“In the IPL, teams are expected to finish from such positions, irrespective of conditions or the bowler. They need to cultivate more self-belief and aim to close games sooner. Even in this match, they started strongly, taking crucial wickets like Pooran, Marsh, and Pant.

“Yet, they have faltered at the finish with both bat and ball. Those four sixes from Sandeep Sharma in the initial innings proved significant. They had the match in their grasp but let it slip away,” he concluded.