In their last two outings, against Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, RR conceded more than 70 runs in the final five overs
Rahul Dravid. Pic/PTI
Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid admitted on Friday that death bowling has emerged as a major concern for the team in the ongoing IPL season. Despite recent setbacks, he expressed confidence in his bowlers’ ability to execute their plans more effectively in the upcoming matches.
In their last two outings, against Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, RR conceded more than 70 runs in the final five overs.
“We suffered a little bit with our death bowling. We conceded 77 in the last five, in the last game. The game earlier, we conceded 72,” Dravid said, speaking on the eve of RR’s clash with the Lucknow Super Giants. “I think that is another area for us that we need to get slightly better with, working with slightly more in execution. I think our plans have been pretty good. It is just more around the execution of some of those skills.”
With the Royals currently on a three-match losing streak, Dravid emphasised that tighter bowling in the death overs could play a pivotal role in reversing their fortunes.
“Even if, say for example, a 57–60 sort of thing is acceptable in the last five overs, it has become almost a norm now. We seem to go for 72–77 (runs),” he explained. “It has been those two-three extra boundaries which I think we need to work on and we need to get better at. But it is more an execution issue. I think the quality is there.”
Some decisions during the season, such as opting for Sandeep Sharma over Jofra Archer in the Super Over against Delhi Capitals, or sending Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer up the order, raised eyebrows among fans and analysts. However, Dravid stood by those choices, accepting full responsibility for them.
“The decisions are being made by me and with Sanju Samson being an integral part of that and consultation with our other coaches and our analyst team,” he said. “No one claims that every decision that even experts make works out and is correct. But I respect the fact and I am very confident of the team that I have around me that is supporting me and Sanju in making these decisions.”
The absence of key players such as Jos Buttler, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Yuzvendra Chahal has forced the Royals to adapt to new combinations, particularly in their top order and spin attack. Dravid, however, remained positive about the team's current setup. “See, it’s not like that. If you see our opening partnership, they have given us quite good performances. Yashasvi and Sanju are playing well. Even in the last game, they gave us an explosive start. Unfortunately, Sanju had an injury and he had to retire hurt. I won’t say it was the turning point because we had confidence in the other batters. But definitely, they gave a great partnership."
(With PTI inputs)
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