• Home
  • Player Stories
  • Sanju Samson Sheds Light On Surprising Changes To Rajasthan Royals Batting Order

Sanju Samson Sheds Light on Surprising Changes to Rajasthan Royals' Batting Order

image-lg4t4dopPadikkal was demoted to number 5 [AP Photos]

Rajasthan Royals suffered a gut-wrenching defeat of five runs at the hands of Punjab Kings in their second match of the tournament, which took place on Wednesday, April 5th, at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, Assam.

Notably, in pursuit of 198, the Rajasthan Royals surprised everyone by sending R Ashwin to open the batting with Yashasvi Jaiswal, while Jos Buttler was demoted to number three, and Devdutt Padikkal was demoted to number five.

The decision, however, failed to pay off for Rajasthan Royals as R Ashwin was dismissed for a duck, attempting to clear mid-on off Arshdeep Singh's bowling, and Devdutt Padikkal appeared to struggle during the middle overs.

In the post-match interview, the Royals captain Sanju Samson was asked about the team's batting tactics and the reasoning behind the multiple changes in the batting order during the high-stakes run chase.

Shedding light on the sequence of events, Samson revealed that Buttler had got some stitches, which required the physio's attention. However, given the time constraints, they decided to send Ashwin to open the innings with Jaiswal.

Here’s what Samson said:

"Jos had a small injury, I think he was having stitches after he got injured while fielding, so the physio wanted time. I don't think there was enough time for the stitches and then go out to open the batting. So, the thinking was to have Ashwin open and hold everyone else back."

Samson provided further updates on Buttler's injury, stating that he had received stitches on his fingers while fielding in the first innings of the match. However, he is now recovering and doing fine.

"Buttler seems fine, he did his stitches and I think he batted quite well when he was out there.”

Buttler managed to score 19 runs off 11 deliveries before being dismissed in what can only be described as an unlucky manner. He got an inside edge off Nathan Ellis' delivery, and the ball hit his pads before going straight into the bowler's hands.

Samson further conceded that their reasoning behind Devdutt Padikkal's demotion at number five was to allow him to challenge the spin bowlers in the middle overs and help increase the team's run rate.

"Also, the thinking to keep Devdutt Padikkal in the middle overs was to specially face the spinners they had. They had a leg spinner and a left-arm spinner bowling in the middle overs, so having a left-handed batter in the middle order was the plan."

Padikkal had a tough time in the middle overs. The left-handed batter appeared to be struggling in his new batting position and managed to score only 21 runs off 26 deliveries before being bowled by Nathan Ellis in the 15th over.

Rajasthan Royals, with one win and as manu defeat, are currently sitting at the fourth spot of the IPL 2023 points table. They will next take on Delhi Capitals on April 8 at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati.