If it is blasphemous to drop catches, then Rajasthan Royals has been committing this mistake far too often. In the IPL 2024, RR had dropped eight catches in their first six matches, and the number increased by one in the encounter vs KKR on Tuesday. While the number in itself is not too significant, but the manner in which it was dropped, and the batsman concerned, make it a momentous spill.
When Kolkata Knight Riders came into bat at the Eden Gardens after being put into bat, Phil Salt was Rajasthan’s big fish. The batter who is fresh from 89 off 47 balls vs LSG, was given a reprieve only on the second ball of the match. Trent Boult bowled one in the slot for a drive, and Salt went for it. Riyan Parag stationed at gully dropped the simplest catch of his life, after which the bowler, fielder, and the batsman, all were in disbelief.
Avesh Compensates, Grabs a Blinder
But fortunately for RR, Avesh Khan came to the rescue. Off his own bowling, he grabbed a stunner to remove Salt for 10. A ball that was hit back at him quite hard, Avesh responded quickly, and put in a dive to stun the Kolkata crowd.
Phil Salt Danger Averted
Phil Salt is one of the best openers in IPL 2024 and can be devastatingly quick in his run-scoring. In his second season he has played five matches for now, and scored 191 runs at an average of 47. What is interesting is, he has scored at a rapid pace of 160.