Former Indian all-rounder Yusuf Pathan believes that the middle-order batters of RR must step up in the upcoming IPL 2023 season. He noted that the top-order stars did a great job in the previous season but needed more support from the rest of the batting lineup. Pathan also suggested that the team should give the talented youngsters in their squad more opportunities. Speaking to Star Sports, he said:
“Rajasthan’s greatest challenge will be their middle order’s lack of support for the heavy-scoring top order from last year. What remains to be seen is if their opening batters do well and if the middle order complements them. I also think that if the confident, young players get enough opportunities, they will do well.”
He stated about the team’s strengths: “Rajasthan Royals‘ greatest strength is their openers and the kind of form Jos Buttler has been in. That’s one of their strengths up top. And their spin attack of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin is a big strength.”
RR managed to make it to the second-ever IPL Final but couldn’t clinch the trophy. Jos Buttler netted an impressive 863 runs from 17 games, alongside four centuries and four fifties. Yuzvendra Chahal was also a major contributor in their bowling department, grabbing 27 wickets and the Purple Cap.
“Would like to see Jaiswal perform well” – Yusuf Pathan
Pathan praised Jaiswal highly, citing his impressive form in the Ranji and Duleep Trophy. He noted that Jaiswal had accumulated 315 runs from nine innings in the Ranji Trophy, and in the Duleep Trophy, he had scored 497 runs from five innings at an average of 99.40. As such, Pathan firmly believes that Jaiswal will be among the top run-getters for Rajasthan Royals this year.
“I would like to see Yashasvi Jaiswal do well. He has played really good cricket in the domestic circuit across the Duleep Trophy and the Ranji Trophy. I would love to see him carry on that form over here.”
RR, led by Sanju Samson, is ready to start their IPL 2023 journey with a match against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 2.