UPDATED: Apr 17, 2023 06:49 IST
By India Today Sports Desk: Former South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock said Rajasthan Royals’ win over Gujarat Titans will give them a lot of self-belief going forward in IPL 2023. Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer smashed half-centuries to guide RR to a three-wicket win over GT at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Pollock heaped praise on GT bowler Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya, saying they bowled the best four overs in the powerplay this season, adding that both of them were superb in Ahmedabad. Pandya dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal before Shami cleaned up the dangerous Jos Buttler to leave RR reeling at 4 for 2 at a point.
“These were probably the four best overs I’ve seen up front in the tournament. Hardik and Shami were absolutely superb. The trouble they caused with the areas they hit, and then to pick up those wickets and put them on the back foot, you thought the game was done and dusted. Shami’s figures were unbelievable,” said Pollock.
The former Mumbai Indians cricketer said this win over GT would give RR a lot of self-belief going forward, while adding that the one over from Rashid Khan shifted the balance of the game. Samson hit Rashid for three consecutive sixes in the 13th over to relieve pressure off his side.
“The one over from Rashid Khan, where he was hit for three sixes, was a key moment. That created a little bit of belief and then Hetmyer got going and he was superb. But what a turnaround, that win must give Rajasthan a lot of self-belief. To turn it around in this phase of the tournament is huge for them,” Pollock added.
He went on to say that GT have failed to win from situations they are expected to on two occasions now. GT lost their game against KKR when Rinku Singh smashed Yash Dayal for five sixes in the last five balls of the game.
“As for Gujarat, there are a few question marks over them now. This is the second time we’ve felt that they should have closed the game out and should’ve taken the points, and they didn’t do it,” said Pollock.
After losing against RR, GT will turn their focus towards Lucknow Super Giants, with the two sides set to lock horns at the Ekana Stadium on April 22.
