Time’s running out for both Robin Uthappa and Riyan Parag: Gautam Gambhir

Rajasthan Royals (RR) flagged off their IPL 2020 campaign on a positive note by defeating the likes of Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab in Sharjah. The Steve Smith-led side, however, suffered two setbacks in their next two games.

After a poor show from the top-order, Royals’ middle-order failed to fire against Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, resulting in RR’s collapse in the points table. The Rajasthan side has been dealing with an inexperienced middle-order since the inception of IPL 2020 and former India opener– Gautam Gambhir– has warned them ahead of their clash against Mumbai Indians.

According to Gambhir, an experienced player like Robin Uthappa must live up to expectations and provide RR with much-needed momentum in the middle. He also pointed out Riyan Parag’s inefficiency to leave a mark with his willow. However, Gambhir feels the arrival of Ben Stokes will completely change the dynamics of the RR squad.

Uthappa has not looked in any kind of form: Gautam Gambhir

“Time’s running out for both Robin Uthappa and Riyan Parag. Uthappa has not looked in any kind of form, to be honest. Robin Uthappa has to deliver. There were a lot of expectations that Robin will be able to finish off games, and if not that, at least give them the momentum they need in the middle order.

So, Robin needs to deliver on those expectations. Riyan Parag has not looked in any kind of form either. So, obviously, they have guys sitting on the bench, plus when Ben Stokes shows in, the combination will be completely different,” Gambhir told ESPN Cricinfo.

Royals are equipped with a formidable top-order trio of Jos Buttler, skipper Steve Smith and an in-form Sanju Samson. However, Gambhir believes over-reliance on these three batsmen is hurting them big time. The franchise should instead focus on rectifying their middle-order, according to Gambhir.

“It’s pretty tricky for them, because they are heavily dependent on Jos Buttler, Steve Smith and Sanju Samson. If all of them go out early in one game, there are serious issues for them, so they need to rectify their middle order,” he added.