The Wednesday night time fixture of the continuing Indian Premier League (IPL), held between Rajasthan Royals (RR) confronted Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, the place the Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab registered an exciting 5-run triumph.

Punjab went on to submit a large complete of 197/4 in 20 overs after scintillating knocks by captain Dhawan (86 no of 56) and Prabhsimran Singh (60 off 34). Rajasthan then managed to take the sport right down to the wire however fell brief solely by 5 runs.

One of many greatest speaking factors from the RR chase was the absence of Jos Buttler on the prime, as as a substitute of the England star, all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin was despatched within the center to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. The choice raised many eyebrows because it backfired after Ashwin obtained dismissed for a 4-ball duck.

Buttler ultimately entered the match at no.3 however was quickly dismissed on 19 (11) by Nathan Ellis. In the course of the post-match press convention, RR captain Sanju Samson revealed the true cause behind the transfer to ship Ashwin on the prime.

Samson defined that the choice to not open with Buttler was based mostly on his health fairly than a tactical transfer. The RR skipper mentioned that Buttler had suffered an damage scare whereas fielding. Samson additional talked about that they (RR administration) saved Devdutt Padikkal for the center overs to sort out the spinners.

“Jos had a small damage, he obtained injured whereas fielding and was getting stitches. The physio wished a while, which wasn’t there to complete the stitches after which exit to open,” mentioned Samson whereas talking on the post-match press convention.

“The considering of sending Ashwin (to open) and holding everybody again, considering to carry Devdutt Padikkal within the center overs was to specifically face the spinners that they had. They’d a leg-spinner and a left-arm spinner bowling within the center overs. Padikkal, a left-hander batting within the center and getting a few sixes, was the planning,” added Samson.