IPL has revolutionized international cricket in terms of entertainment as well as strategy. Off-field, numerous initiatives have been brought in to add to the entertainment quotient to the game. On-field, teams have come up with novel ideas to win.
Sunil Narine being used as a pinch hitter by KKR was a masterstroke and paid a rich dividend to the franchise. Rajasthan Royals, this season, has been at the forefront of such out-of-box thinking. They were the first team where a batsman (Ashwin) was retired out for the first time. In today’s game as well, Ashwin was sent at number 3 to get a few big heaves against fast bowling.
Md Siraj has the last laugh
The plan seemed to work initially. Devdutt Padikkal got out in the second over itself. Ashwin walked out at number 3 and in his encounter against Md Siraj, he plundered him for 3 boundaries. It was in the 4th over. Ashwin greeted Siraj into the bowling with two back-to-back scintillating boundaries. In no time, Ashwin had raced off to 17 runs off 8 balls striking at 200.
— James Tyler (@JamesTyler_99) April 26, 2022
On the last ball off the over, the stumps mic picked up Kohli advising Siraj to bowl bouncer to Ashwin. The next ball Md Siraj bowled it short and Ashwin went to pull it. He was beaten for pace and got a top edge which was collected by Siraj himself.
Siraj goes wild
Siraj made sure that he gives it back with interest to Ashwin. He leaped in joy and gave out a scream of frustration. Siraj was being taken apart by Ashwin and the strategy, as suggested by Kohli, to bowl short had worked fantastically. He deserved the celebration.
Siraj’s effort was commended by RCB fans on Twitter as well. Fans were thrilled to see Kohli pumping up his bowler and celebrating with full gusto when the desired result was achieved. Fans also spoke of “Miyan bhai” being aggressive in taking Ashwin’s wicket. This kind of competition makes a tournament like IPL much more exciting.
Siraj that's just Ashwin pipe down
— CHANDRU (@thestarlordeh) April 26, 2022
That aggression from Siraj after taking Ashwin's wicket. 🔥#RCBvsRR
— Praaaaaa (@squarre_cut) April 26, 2022
Siraj strikes again and gets Ashwin with a short ball.
Boom 🔥🙌#RCBvRR #IPL2022— 𝐑𝐁🕊 (@Rumispeak) April 26, 2022
Siraj And Kohli punching in air In delight after taking wickets of Ashwin. Talk about relevancy of this franchise 😂
— Poudel Sagar (@Poudelsagar518) April 26, 2022
Virat to siraj bouncer daal na isko
Next ball is bouncer and ASHWIN out
— k🚬 (@itsKabir16) April 26, 2022
R. Ashwin: C & b siraj pic.twitter.com/jy9fqohGqQ
— MAHIYANK™ (@Mahiyank_78) April 26, 2022
No mincing of words by Siraj while sending off Ashwin. #IPL2022#RCBvRR
— SB Sagar (@SBSagar90) April 26, 2022
