Australian cricketer Steve Smith believes that Rajasthan Royals will be tough to beat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Steve Smith commented that Rajasthan Royals seem to be the most balanced team in the ongoing prestigious tournament.
Rajasthan Royals began their campaign with a remarkable victory over Lucknow Super Giants in their season opener, securing a victory by a margin of 20 runs. The Royals will host Rishabh Pant’s Delhi Capitals in their next match on Thursday, March 28.
In their head-to-head clashes in Jaipur, the Royals emerged victorious in four of six matches against the Delhi Capitals, who won two. The most recent meeting between the two teams in Jaipur took place in 2019, where DC claimed a six-wicket win.
They will be hard to beat – Steve Smith
Speaking to Star Sports, Steve Smith pointed out the current trend of home teams winning in IPL 2024. Smith emphasized the formidable spinners in the Royals lineup such as Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin.
“The local teams are winning right now. I’m not ready for them to break the trend yet. They look the full team this year. They have all the bases covered. I really want to see your spinners again. Chahal and Ashwin are exceptional. The two guys above are potentially the two most destructive in the IPL. “If they get going and have an incredible season, they’re going to be tough to beat,” Smith said.
Buttler demonstrated a remarkable performance in the 2022 season, scoring 863 runs in 17 matches. Jaiswal came into his own in the 2023 season and scored 624 runs in 14 matches, setting a record for highest runs scored by an uncapped player in a single IPL season.
Sanju Samson played beautifully – Steve Smith
Steve Smith highlighted Sanju Samson’s historical trend of starting IPL seasons strongly but declining later on. Smith emphasized the importance of Samson maintaining consistency throughout the season, particularly in leading from the front.
“He played wonderfully and gave them the victory. He seems to be playing well, he seems to be in a very good place. He seems comfortable. He is hitting the ball very well. I think his captaincy was outstanding and he would like to continue in that form.”
“His past seasons have slowed down a little bit at the end, and that will weigh on his mind. Keep that standard high and lead from the front,” Smith said.
Captain Sanju Samson put in an exceptional performance, scoring 82 runs off 52 balls, including three fours and six maximums. Riyan Parag, promoted to No. 4 in the batting order, contributed 43 crucial runs off 29 balls, including one four and three sixes.
Samson consistently hits big shots once he settles into the crease. He has mastered a balanced approach, alternating between groundstrokes and aerials as needed. Maintaining this form and avoiding reckless hits will be crucial to his continued success.
Rajasthan Royals Probable
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