IPL 2018| Rajasthan Royals lack a proper finisher, says Sunil Gavaskar

Rajasthan Royals got their campaign back on track with a fine win over the Kings XI Punjab on Tuesday (May 8) despite the batting brilliance of KL Rahul, who scored an unbeaten 95 runs off 70 balls in a low-scoring encounter. However, today’s match against in-form Chennai Super Kings will be another do-or-die game for them since losing the match could well direct them to get out of the playoffs spot.

Talking about the shortcomings in the RR squad, Gavaskar explained that lack of a proper finisher in their batting department has haunted them the most. 

The reason why Rajasthan Royals’ have suffered this blow, is mainly due to the out of form Ben Stokes, who was handed over the finisher’s role with Jos Buttler. Later, Jos Buttler was promoted to opening slot after his heroics in a rain-interrupted match against Delhi and has continued to bat in the same position since then, with 3 back to back half-centuries but Stokes is yet to get his form back. However, Gavaskar feels that Ben Stokes is a class act and his lost touch is quite understandable since he was out of regular cricket for a while. 

“Ben Stokes hasn't made the impact he did last year and that's understandable since he was out of top cricket for quite a while and got back a little over a month ago. He still is the guy the opposition fears the most because he is a class player and he can get the form back anytime,” said the legend.

Talking about Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Gavaskar stated that the champion player has shut the mouth of critics for once and for all and the gap Chennai got between matches this time will help Dhoni heal from the back injury.

“Chennai have had a bit of a break which must be good news for Mahendra Singh Dhoni who has had a troublesome back, not that a niggle is ever going to stop him from turning up for his favorite team. He has silenced his doubters with his awesome finishing and winning games off his own bat."