Kumar Sangakkara confident of positive results in IPL 2022

Rajasthan Royals director of cricket and head coach Kumar Sangakkara believes they have a very good squad at their disposal to make a strong comeback after three poor IPL seasons. Rajasthan finished 7th, 8th and 7th in the last three seasons but this time around they have a strong squad to compete for the coveted title.

“We know we had quite a bit of work to do in the off-season with regards to our team. I think we managed to identify the key areas which needed our attention and having had a proper process when it comes to selecting players at the auction, we managed to kind of hit the markers that we set for ourselves,” said the Sri Lankan legend in a team statement.

RR have come out of the auction as one of the strongest teams. They have built a great core and have a mix of experience and youth. “I think the franchise has done an amazing job to put this exciting and strong squad together,” he added.

“We’ve got the two best spinners in the IPL in terms of off-spin and leg-spin in Chahal and Ashwin. We have Boult, Prasidh, Saini, Coulter-Nile, McCoy, which makes up for a very exciting pace unit supported by of course the retention of Yashasvi, Samson and Buttler.

“We have secured depth in every department, with Neesham, Mitchell and van der Dussen being exciting cricketers. We’ve got some really exciting and young cricketers from India as well. The main thing is that we have a very competent side. We tried to get the core right and get the right players for the roles,” said Sanga.

“But now, the main thing irrespective of what the squad is the actual match performance on the field, and how we can give everyone the freedom to go out there and perform,” expressed Sangakkara. 

The IPL has often seen great squads failing to perform when the time comes while some underrated teams go on to win the cup.

When asked about the reasons for losing the previous editions he said that there was no particular reason. Player availability, split tournament, bigger break, and not the best of match performances in terms of batting or bowling hurt their chances. 

The Sri Lanka legend also commented on the new additions in the RR staff. “Job really is to add value to the franchise through myself or through people that I would recommend. It’s first about what value that person brings and how constantly they can help us improve. It’s pretty obvious for everyone to see the standards of both Lasith and Paddy. They’ve had stellar careers with their respective teams in their jobs and can prove to be vital elements in our quest for the title.”

Sangakkara also shared his views on the late Shane Warne. “He’s a great loss for the cricket world, a great loss for cricketers around the world, because he was such an approachable guy, who had great knowledge. He was a very good friend, and I really enjoyed my time with him, the conversations we used to have. I think everyone will miss him.” the former Sri Lankan skipper added.