IPL 2025: RR’s Bahutule Reflects on Missed Opportunities Against KKR
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Synopsis
Following an eight-wicket loss to KKR, Rajasthan Royals' Sairaj Bahutule recognized that the team could have added 15-20 runs to their total, thereby putting pressure on the champions. He expressed optimism about the team's future performances.
Key Takeaways
- RR could have added 15-20 runs to their score.
- KKR's spinners were highly effective.
- Bahutule supports the young team’s potential.
- Impact Player strategy involved Shubham Dubey.
- RR's spinners are expected to improve.
Guwahati, March 27 (NationPress) Following an eight-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals' spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule acknowledged that the team could have scored an additional 15-20 runs to exert pressure on the reigning champions.
At the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, RR's innings was dismantled by their batters losing wickets carelessly while KKR’s spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Moeen Ali excelled, claiming four wickets as RR managed just 151/9. KKR successfully chased down the target with 15 balls remaining, led by an unbeaten 97 from Quinton de Kock.
“It was a slightly challenging pitch at the start, but honestly, we could have added around 15-20 runs more to our score, which would have pressured KKR. Overall, considering our young team and captain, I believe we will enter performance mode soon,” Bahutule stated after the match.
The impact of KKR's spin bowlers was so significant that RR utilized Shubham Dubey as their Impact Player, leading to Shimron Hetmyer batting at number eight. Bahutule explained this decision, noting that they aimed to preserve Hetmyer for the fast bowlers, which did not unfold as planned since he was dismissed by Harshit Rana.
“He (Dubey) is proficient against spin. Using him as an Impact Player was crucial for maximizing our batting capabilities. The plan was for him to accelerate, knowing the fast bowlers would arrive later, making Hetmyer a viable option at that moment,” he elaborated.
RR’s spin duo, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, struggled significantly, returning with combined statistics of 1-66 in seven overs. Bahutule expressed confidence that the RR spinners will deliver strong performances in upcoming matches, especially with the team set to face five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on March 30.
“We have world-class spinners like Hasaranga and Theekshana. At times, I felt they were falling short, but if they had maintained their lengths better, there was definitely room for success. I believe that now that they are in the IPL championship, they will have a significant impact in future games. I trust all our spinners and bowlers. This is a young and promising side, both in batting and bowling. They are eager for every match, and I am confident they will excel in upcoming fixtures.
