Despite a recent victory and a spot in the IPL Qualifier 2, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are facing a unique challenge – an illness spreading through the dressing room. Captain Sanju Samson, speaking after their win against Royal Challenger Bengaluru (RCB) in the Eliminator, revealed that several players, including himself, are battling illness.
RR battling illness: Sanju Samson
Following a string of four losses, the Royals bounced back with a crucial four-wicket win in Ahmedabad. However, the victory came at a cost. Sanju Samson acknowledged, “a few of us are not 100 percent” fit, hinting at the illness affecting the team’s performance.
Samson in the post match presentation said: “A few of us are not 100%. I’m not a 100% actually. There is a bug in the dressing room, lots of coughs and a lot of people are a bit unwell. But we have the momentum now, so the dressing room is confident.”
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Clinical bowling, bumpy batting for RR
RR’s bowlers restricted RCB to a manageable 172/8. However, their batting faltered in the middle overs, allowing RCB back into the contest. Despite the stutter, the Royals managed to chase down the target with one over to spare.
Sanju Samson praises young guns
While admitting to the illness concerns, Samson remained positive, highlighting the team’s fighting spirit and newfound momentum. He praised the team’s young guns – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel – for their crucial contributions. He also credited coaches Sangakkara and Shane Bond for their strategic guidance.
“Yeah, as I said at the toss, what cricket and life has taught us is that we will have great phase and lean phase. But what’s important is to bounce back. Coming to the knockouts, we had lost many games. We were questioning ourselves but happy to see everyone perform today. All the credit goes to the players. We have spend plenty of time watching the opposition’s batters and what to bowl and set the field. Credit to Sanga and Shane Bond as well. They have spent plenty of time sitting in the hotel rooms and discussing the plans,” Sanju Samson said.
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Looking Ahead: Rest and Recovery
With a crucial Qualifier 2 clash against SRH in Chennai on Friday, Samson emphasized the importance of rest and recovery. He revealed plans for the team to prioritize getting healthy during their travel day.
Can Rajasthan Royals overcome illness hurdle?
The Royals face a double challenge – a strong opponent and an illness outbreak within the team. However, their recent win and fighting spirit offer hope. Can they overcome this hurdle and secure a spot in the IPL final? Only time will tell.
