• Sportzyverse
• IPL 2024
• 05/16/2024
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The Rajasthan Royals (RR) began their IPL 2024 campaign with a bang, winning eight out of their first nine matches and racing to the top of the points table. However, their fortunes took a sharp turn as they stumbled upon a rough patch, suffering four consecutive defeats. Their latest setback came at the hands of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Guwahati on 15th May, a defeat that left RR skipper Sanju Samson introspective and candid about his team’s challenges.

Punjab kings might be the weakest team on the paper but not on the field.

Sanju Samson & Rajasthan Royals is struggling with form.

Most of the successful franchises peak at the end but Rajasthan always slums that's why no trophy.Sanju needs to fix this.pic.twitter.com/a0b6RcYSKC

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) May 15, 2024

After the five-wicket loss to PBKS, Samson acknowledged the need to urgently address the team’s shortcomings. “To be honest, we have to sit back and accept that we’re going through some failures. When you lose four in a row, you have to find out what’s not working well in the team,” Samson said, highlighting the importance of self-assessment during challenging times.

We need individuals to step up: RR Captain Sanju Samson

While RR’s playoff berth was secured thanks to Delhi Capitals’ victory over Lucknow Super Giants, their spot in the top two is now under threat from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who are hot on their heels.

Samson emphasized the need for individual brilliance to turn the team’s fortunes around. “We need individuals to step up. So it’s about having the right characters who can play with passion and singlehandedly win the game for us,” he stated, underlining the significance of players taking responsibility and delivering match-winning performances when it matters most.

Also read Riyan Parag Backs RR’s Depth Amid Jos Buttler’s Absence

Highlighting RR’s struggles batting first on slow tracks, Samson emphasized the importance of adaptability and smart cricket. “We’re not used to playing on such slow wickets where teams have scored 200 or 220. We had to play smart cricket, focus on the basics, and build momentum,” he explained, stressing the need for a strategic approach tailored to the conditions.

With their final group stage match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) looming large, RR finds themselves at a critical juncture. A victory in this crucial encounter not only increases their chances of securing a top-two finish but also provides them with much-needed momentum heading into the Qualifiers. As they seek to bounce back from their recent setbacks, RR will be relying on their star players to rise to the occasion and reignite their campaign with a resounding performance against KKR.