IPL 2021: Stuart Broad questions RR for not opening the innings with Jos Buttler

England star Stuart Broad has questioned Rajasthan Royals’ strategy regarding their batting order after their loss to Punjab Kings in the fourth game of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Continuing their strategy from last year, RR persisted with Ben Stokes as an opener and Jos Buttler as a middle-order batsman.

The strategy, however, did not work as both Stokes and Buttler failed to deliver as per reputation. Stokes departed for a three-ball duck while Buttler was out for 25 as RR lost the game by 4 runs while chasing an improbable total of 222. The reason behind the spirited chase was the stunning century from their new skipper Sanju Samson.

Samson, playing his first game as captain, walked out to bat in the very first over and was out on the very last ball of the game. RR needed 5 balls of the final ball but Samson could only offer a catch. He was out for 119 off just 63 balls. The right-handed batsman’s innings was studded with 12 fours and 7 sixes. Earlier in the game, the fifties from KL Rahul (91) and Deepak Hooda (64) had propelled PBKS to 221 for 6.

Why isn’t Jos Buttler opening: Stuart Broad

With RR not sending Buttler to open the innings, Stuart Broad could not help but question their strategy. Replying to a tweet by Sky Sports after Stokes’ dismissal, Broad expressed his surprise at RR opting to play Buttler in the middle-order. Hailing his compatriot as the best opening wicketkeeper in the world, Broad tweeted:

“Why isn’t @josbuttler opening? Or WK? What have I missed? He’s the best Opening WK in the world, does it for England, why wouldn’t he do it at the domestic level?”

Here is the tweet from Stuart Broad:

Why isn’t @josbuttler opening? Or WK? What have I missed? He’s the best Opening WK in the world, does it for England, why wouldn’t he do it at domestic level?

— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) April 12, 2021

Broad was not the only high-profile name who questioned RR’s strategy. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan echoed the same sentiments. Expressing his surprise over the decision, the former cricketer-turned-commentator wrote: “And now @josbuttler doesn’t Open !!!!!!!!!! What are you thinking @rajasthanroyals !!!!!”

Here is the tweet from Michael Vaughan:

And now @josbuttler doesn’t Open !!!!!!!!!! What are you thinking @rajasthanroyals !!!!! #IPL

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 12, 2021

Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle was not impressed with RR’s strategy either as he tweeted: “Must confess I don’t get the @rajasthanroyals batting order. Buttler is among the best in the world at the top. And Stokes can be a dangerous finisher!”

Must confess I don't get the @rajasthanroyals batting order. Buttler is among the best in the world at the top. And Stokes can be a dangerous finisher!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 12, 2021