While Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel starred in Rajasthan Royals’ win over the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League 2024 match at the Ekana Stadium on Saturday, pacer Avesh Khan felt that the result was due to team effort.
Jurel scored his maiden IPL fifty after he walked to the crease when the Royals were in dire straits at 78/3 and required 119 runs from the remaining 11 overs. He partnered skipper Samson to steer the team home by seven wickets.
But earlier in the day, the bowling unit, led by Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma, restricted LSG after they were sitting pretty at 126/2 after 12 overs. The Royals’ bowlers gave away only 25 runs in the last three overs to keep the opposition under 200.
“We are doing well as a team and it feels really good,” said Avesh in the post-match press conference. “IPL is a tournament where you cannot win matches individually, you have to play well as a team and everybody has to contribute to the winning cause.
“Boult gets wickets in the beginning. Sandeep did well in both matches, coming back from injury. In the slog overs also, we have bowled tight in the last two or three matches,” explained Avesh.
“Batting is also going well, Dhruv played well today, he was a bit out of touch in the earlier matches this IPL. But he showed temperament and played a match-winning knock for the team,” Avesh said, highlighting the Royals’ all-round show.
Jurel paid back for the management’s faith in sending him above the in-form West Indies pair of Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell. He plundered 20 runs in the 14th over to turn the chase in the Royals’ favour.
‘All five bowlers will not have a good day’
Avesh Khan, meanwhile, was taken for 27 runs in his first two overs but came back strongly giving away just 15 runs in his last two. He also dismissed LSG captain KL Rahul, who top-scored for his side with 76 runs.
“We discuss where to bowl and what lengths to bowl. We try to bowl to our field, and if the batter still hits you, then it is fine,” Avesh explained. “All five bowlers will not have a good day, one will have a bad day but the team backs them.
“But, as a bowler, if you are confident and able to execute what you plan, and give your 100 percent effort, then results will be in your favour,” Avesh added.
“This year I have changed my thought process a bit,” Avesh continued. “I was thinking if I can bowl the next two overs well for the team then we can make a comeback. If you are clear with your plans then the chances of execution are high.
“As a bowler, you have got to believe in your abilities and know when to bowl which ball. That is very important. If you can execute that, there is no worry even if you get hit,” he concluded.
