New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) After yet another setback for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) during a run-chase in IPL 2025, seasoned fast-bowler Sandeep Sharma acknowledged that the team has been inconsistent in pivotal moments.

At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, RR started their pursuit of 206 positively, highlighted by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive 49. However, the team faltered towards the end, resulting in an 11-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This defeat further jeopardizes RR’s chances of making it to the playoffs.

"We haven't been able to capitalize in the pressure situations, whether we are batting second or defending a score. In T20s, all teams encounter these critical moments that you must seize. This season, we are missing vital catches and losing wickets at crucial times. It’s a recurring issue for us; we are faltering in the decisive moments," Sandeep stated after the match.

He emphasized that RR is significantly feeling the absence of their captain, Sanju Samson, who has been sidelined due to a side strain incurred during their match against Delhi Capitals (DC), where they lost in a Super Over. Samson also missed the first three matches due to a finger injury.

"His absence is certainly noticeable. He is a very experienced captain and a smart batsman. His lack of presence is affecting us. He missed the first three games, and then he suffered another injury. These factors are clearly impacting the team negatively," he added.

Currently sitting in eighth place on the points table, RR is on a five-match losing streak in IPL 2025, with their last similar downturn occurring in the IPL 2009-10 seasons. "We need to approach each match as a standalone opportunity and aim to win. In T20s, streaks—whether winning or losing—are crucial," he remarked.

"In all three matches we've lost, we needed nine runs per over. Given today's T20 hitting prowess, that run rate shouldn't be challenging. However, we keep losing wickets at critical junctures, hindering our ability to accelerate. We lose wickets precisely when we need to lower the asking rate and are failing to execute our strategies effectively.”

"Last season, we managed to do just that with the same players: Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. They excelled in those pivotal moments, and our fielding was sharp. That’s another aspect we are lacking this year," Sandeep elaborated. The team’s next fixture is against the current table leaders, Gujarat Titans, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Monday evening.