IPL 2020: 3 Mistakes committed by losing team in KKR vs RR game

KKR vs RR was a game between two sides with extremely different approaches. KKR is highly reliable on their middle order and impressive bowling line-up, while Rajasthan has more trust in their top three batsmen and handy all-rounders. And KKR defeated RR by 37 runs and earned their second consecutive victory after a loss in their first game of the season. The Kolkata franchise will be extremely happy with their performance as their young pace bowlers had a massive role in this victory.

RR, on the other hand, was coming after two wins in their first two games and with the impeccable form of their top order, they were the favourites to win this one. However, the change of ground and the dimensions played a significant role in their failure. RR was playing their first game in Dubai after playing both of their first two games at Sharjah. There are several factors RR needs to reconsider after their loss today.

Here are the 3 mistakes RR committed in match no. 12, KKR vs RR:-

1. Not playing an off-spinner

RR played 2 leg spinners and 4 pacers in their bowling attack in this game like the previous one. However, while continuing with the winning combination, they missed an important trick. KKR had three left-handed batsmen in their ranks and one side of the Dubai’s boundary was comparatively larger. If RR would have played an Aniruddha Joshi, an off-spinner, they could have utilised the dimensions in their favour and Eoin Morgan’s handsome assault at death overs could have been tackled better.

2. Thin batting order

While playing their first two games at Sharjah, RR’s batting unit looked extremely powerful with only top-order performing. They also scored 200+ runs in both of their matches there. However, the pitch was less batting friendly in Dubai and the boundaries were also not as small as Sharjah. Hence, after losing early wickets their bowling all-rounders didn’t play a massive role against KKR and the tail almost started after losing their fifth wicket.

3. Persisting with an under confident middle order

As RR doesn’t relish the services of Ben Stokes, their middle order has really looked under confident. They bought one of the former orange cap winners, Robin Uthappa this season but the veteran cricketer hasn’t performed as per the expectations and looked extremely out of touch. Riyaan Parag has also looked very fragile against a strong bowling attack.

After seeing their performance in the first two matches, RR should have found an alternative for them as finally when the team needed them after a top-order collapse, they didn’t have enough confidence to play a long innings for RR. They have talented batsmen like Manan Vohra, Mahipal Lomror and Yashasvi Jaiswal in their squad.