Rajasthan Royals (RR) failed to get off to a powerful start in their second home ground in Guwahati against defending Champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Electing to field, KKR opening bowlers, especially Vaibhav Arora bowled exceptionally well in the power play and strangulated RR's explosive opening duo of Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. While the duo targeted KKR's left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson, they could not get going against Arora, who executed wide yorkers perfectly. The right-arm pacer also dismissed Samson for just (13) runs.
RR stand-in-captain Riyan Parag walked in at number three and took on the attack by hitting some eye-catching sixes, but the youngster, at his home ground in Guwahati, could not get going as he was dismissed for (25) runs. However, the form of Jaiswal will concern RR. The southpaw has established himself as one of India's fearsome openers, but failed to assert his dominance in the power play.
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading...
The RR opener was also given a reprieve by Harshit Rana on (19), but the southpaw failed to capitalize on that opportunity as he was sent packing by off-spinner Moeen Ali for just (29) runs. What will concern RR most is that those 29 runs came off 24 balls. In a day and age of attacking batsmanship in power play, Jaiswal is not able to put on big scores and get the team off to a brisk starts.
Varun Chakaravarthy, & Moeen Ali proves to be a game changer for KKR
Chakaravarthy, who had a rare of day against RCB in his first game, got back to his wicket-taking ways in the second innings by already taking two wickets so far in RR's first 10 overs. The mystery spinner was hard to get away from and managed to keep a tight leash on RR batters. He took the wickets of Parag and Hasaranga (4) and put KKR in the driver's seat.
On the other hand, Moeen Ali also picked up two wickets, and has turned the game in favor of KKR. The former England all-rounder replaced Sunil Narine, and made an immediate impact.
More About RR vs KKR IPL 2025 Match
