IPL 2021 | RR vs CSK: Hits & Flops as Jaiswal, Dube neutralise Ruturaj masterclass
It was one joyous ride at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi for all the fans of the Indian batting and its future prospects. Three young Indian batters in Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube showcased the depth of the Indian batting talents as they hit world-class bowlers out of the park as if they were playing in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. However, whale Gaikwad’s hundred was brilliance personified, the fifties by Jaiswal and Dube were the need of the hour for Rajasthan Royals who finally got the much-desired win and broke their three-match losing streak. With this enormous victory, where they chased down 190 with 15 balls to spare and seven wickets in hand, the Royals reached 10 pints, equalling three other teams and have thereby kept their hopes of qualifying for the Playoffs alive and kicking. All that they need to do now is win the remaining two games. Batting was definitely the Hit of this game and thus bowlers would have to bear the wrath of being tagged as Flops in the section where both hits and flops are discussed in detail. Hits Ruturaj Gaikwad Even if Chennai lost the game, the innings that Ruturaj Gaikwad played is going to become a part of the folklore called scintillating IPL hundreds and would be told for many seasons to come. His innings, which was played in two phases was a brilliant example of how people can make big runs even without obsessively becoming a great hitter of the ball. The 24-year-old was calm and com[osed when the going was tough at the start of the match, but just as things started to smoothen, he changed his gear and after completing his first fifty runs in 43 balls, he completed the next 51 in just 17 of them. Of the 51 that he made, 46 came in boundaries, indicating very well that if the need is, this mand, who is a phenomenal timer of the ball, can very easily switch gears. The fact that Gaikwad had to wait for 14 balls to take strike after reaching 95 and then reached his hundred with a six made it all the sweeter. And therefore even in a very badly lost game, he was rightfully adjudged Player of the Match. Yashasvi Jaiswal If Gaikwad’s innings was a spectacle to behold, pocket rocket Yashasvi Jaiswal made sure that he featured his name in the list of brilliant fifty scorers on that very same day so that the spotlight is shared. It was his first-ever IPL fifty and what a fifty it was, coming off just 19 balls, the knock included all the shots that feature prominently in the 20-20 playbook. Cut, flick, slog, cover drive, over the covers six, pull, hoik over mid-on, six over fine-leg, there was nothing that Jaiswal left to be desired for the fans watching him. In fact, in one over of Josh Hazlewood, he hit him for 22 runs in just fours balls, hitting three sixes and a four. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration one bit to say that it was Jaiswal and Evin Lewis at the top that made the chase look like a piece of cake for the Royals later on. The duo added 77 in just five overs to make this the biggest powerplay of 2021 IPL. Shivam Dube When Shivam Dube walked in, he took a few balls to settle in and even mishit a few shots on which he was lucky enough they didn’t carry to fielders. Another thing that went in his favour was the introduction of spin from blithe ends which he enjoyed to the core. And just as he found his rhythm, the Mumbai man was unstoppable. He hit both Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali, the top CSK spinners all over the park and then utilised the confidence gained from those hits to tonk the pacers in Shardul Thakur, Curran and KM Asif as well. In total, the 28-year-old who was making a comeback into the side, and playing for the first time in the UAE leg, hit 62 off just 42 balls and remained unbeaten to see his team through. Flops Josh Hazlewood When CSK scored 189, it would have expected its fast bowlers, especially Hazlewood, who is considered one of the most accurate lines and length bowlers in the world, to give them a good start. A start where if the wickets are not coming then at least the flow of runs is checked. Instead, what happened was total brutality against Hazlewood, committed by both the Royals’ openers. The bowler, who ascribed his best IPL figures in just the last game, was hit for 38 in his first two overs and then ended up giving away 54 runs in his four overs without taking even a single wicket and thereby registering his worst IPL figures. Thus IPL showed Hazlewood within two days what great a leveller it is. Sam Curran Sam Curran, who was the lone shining star for CSK in a dismal season last year, has been totally opposite this year, especially in the UAE leg of the tournament. In fact, such has been his form that he has not been able to get in the playing XI as an automatic selection and has played two games as a backup for Dwayne Bravo. In today’s game too, Curran was selected as a replacement for Bravo who was rested to freshen up before the Playoffs. But instead of utilising this opportunity, Curran gave it away pretty easily. The left-hander didn’t get to bat, but in bowling he was horrendous. Bowling waist-high no balls and full toss, not keeping a tight line and getting wayward both with the change of pace as well as his length, the 23-year-old all-rounder was a total mess. In the end, he ended up giving away 55 runs in his four overs without taking any wicket. From here on, while Chennai play Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings in its bid to finish in the top two, Rajasthan could look to continue the winning momentum and beat Mumbai Indians whom they face in their next assignment to make their claim to the Playoffs spot stronger.
 "Somya Kapoor")
