Rajasthan Royals’ spin-bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, acknowledged that his team fell short with the bat and let slip key moments during their eight-wicket defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This loss marked the Royals’ second consecutive defeat in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), following a tough 44-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener.
A Tough Day at the Office
Having managed a modest total of 151/9, Rajasthan Royals struggled to put up a competitive fight. The KKR spinners, particularly Varun Chakaravarthy and Moeen Ali, applied relentless pressure, making it difficult for RR’s batters to break free. In response, KKR chased down the target with 15 balls to spare, thanks to a scintillating unbeaten 97 by Quinton de Kock, leaving RR searching for answers.
“It was a slightly sticky track to start with, but honestly, we could have added 15–20 more runs, which would have put extra pressure on KKR,” Bahutule said post-match.
While the pitch played a role, Bahutule emphasized that RR’s young squad, under new leadership, needs to shift into performance mode quickly. “We have a young captain leading a young team. The wicket was not the only factor. It’s about us settling in and finding our rhythm. I believe it will come soon,” he added.
Strategy Misfire with Impact Player Decision
One of RR’s key tactical moves was introducing Shubham Dubey as an Impact Player while pushing Shimron Hetmyer down the order. However, this decision didn’t yield the desired results. Dubey struggled to accelerate against KKR’s spinners, and when Hetmyer eventually came in to counter pace, he couldn’t make an impact, getting dismissed cheaply.
“He’s a good player of spin, and we thought that utilizing his batting skills at that moment would work in our favor,” Bahutule explained. “The plan was for Dubey to take on the spinners while Hetmyer handled the fast bowlers later, but it didn’t quite click.”
Spin Struggles and KKR’s Tactical Edge
While KKR’s spinners dominated the middle overs, RR’s spin duo—Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana—couldn’t exert the same control. They collectively returned figures of 1 for 66 in seven overs, which allowed KKR to maintain their grip on the chase.
“We have world-class spinners in Hasaranga and Theekshana, but today, they were slightly short on their lengths,” Bahutule admitted. “Had they bowled just a bit fuller, they could have extracted more turn from the surface. But they’re still adapting to the IPL setup, and I’m confident they’ll have a greater impact as the tournament progresses.”
The Dew Factor – An Unavoidable Challenge
The presence of dew in Guwahati is always a talking point, and while it wasn’t overwhelming on the night, Bahutule acknowledged its role. “There was a bit of dew, but not excessive. Under lights, the wicket does tend to settle down, and the ball comes onto the bat better,” he said.
He also credited KKR’s spinners for outplaying their counterparts. “They bowled tighter lines and maintained their lengths persistently. That’s what made the difference. Our bowlers did well too, but occasional short deliveries cost us extra runs per over.”
Road Ahead – A Crucial Clash Awaits
Rajasthan Royals now face a stern test against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 in Guwahati. This upcoming game presents a crucial opportunity for the young squad to regain momentum and settle into the tournament.
With the right tweaks in strategy and improved execution, RR still has a fighting chance to turn things around. “It’s a long season. We’re learning from every game, and I’m sure the boys will step up in the coming matches,” Bahutule concluded.
Key Takeaways from RR vs KKR:
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Batting Shortfall: 151/9 wasn’t enough on a pitch where an extra 15–20 runs could have made a difference.
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Impact Player Experiment Backfired: Shubham Dubey struggled against spin, and Hetmyer’s role was limited.
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Spin Department Needs Refinement: Hasaranga and Theekshana must adjust lengths to extract more from the conditions.
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KKR’s Clinical Approach: Their bowlers executed plans perfectly, while de Kock’s match-winning knock sealed the deal.
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Next Challenge – CSK Showdown: RR must bounce back strong to keep their season alive.
Rajasthan Royals might have had a rough start, but the IPL is a marathon, not a sprint. With young talent and a strategic rethink, their season could still take a turn for the better!
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