Why Trent Boult Bowled Just Two Overs In The RR vs GT IPL 2024 Match? Check Details

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) succumbed to their opening defeat in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) as they suffered a heartening 3-wicket loss at the hands of the Gujarat Titans on Wednesday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Sanju Samson-led RR team failed to defend a challenging total of 196 runs in their 20 overs. This was the fifth time when the Rajasthan Royals loss to Gujarat Titans in the history of the Indian Premier League. Despite the poor loss, the Rajasthan Royals are still placed at the top position on the IPL 2024 points table with as many as four impressive victories. However, there were many surprising decision taken by Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson during the last few overs against Gujarat Titans. 

Former cricketer and now commentator Aakash Chopra expressed bewilderment over the bowling strategy of the Rajasthan Royals during a recent match review on his YouTube channel. Chopra specifically scrutinized the limited utilization of Trent Boult, the team's primary pace bowler, who had been delivering outstanding performances. He questioned the decision to restrict Boult to only two overs despite his impressive form. Chopra's analysis highlighted the perplexing nature of the team's tactics, particularly in their handling of a key player like Boult. His commentary underscored the importance of strategic decisions in cricket matches and the potential impact they can have on the team's performance.

"Why did Trent Boult bowl only two overs? I didn't understand that. Two overs, eight runs, and he bowled only two overs. Why? Keshav gave 16 runs in his two overs, so only 24 runs went in those four overs. Trent Boult could have been given overs in the middle but you didn't do that. You went towards spinners," stated former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra. 

In a thrilling encounter for the Royals, the debutant Keshav Maharaj saw limited action, bowling just two overs and conceding 16 runs. However, Aakash Chopra, the insightful commentator, believed that Trent Boult, who had a more economical spell of two overs for eight runs, could have been given a longer stint to capitalize on the favorable conditions.

Chopra's analysis also spotlighted Kuldeep Sen's commendable performance, securing three crucial wickets. Yet, he didn't shy away from highlighting the shortcomings of young pacers Kuldeep Sen and Avesh Khan in the crucial final overs. Despite the Titans needing 35 runs off just two overs, Sen conceded 20 runs in the penultimate over, while Avesh Khan leaked 17 runs in the final over, sealing the match for GT with a boundary off the last ball.

Shifting focus to the Royals' batting prowess, Chopra showered praise on the dynamic duo of captain Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag. Their pivotal partnership steered the team to an imposing total of 196/3. Chopra particularly marveled at Samson's aggressive approach against short-pitched deliveries, which rattled the opposition's bowling lineup.

Parag's entrance into the fray at a precarious 42/2 after 5.4 overs proved instrumental. With his blistering 48-ball 76, and Samson's unbeaten 68 off just 38 deliveries, they not only resurrected the innings but also propelled the Royals to a commanding total, setting the stage for an enthralling contest.

"If you are bowling with a dry ball, then if you have scored enough runs, you should have the bowling to defend it. The truth is that Rajasthan has the bowling. They didn't play Nandre Burger but despite that, they have the bowling. Keshav Maharaj made his debut and they got him to bowl only two overs," he added.

"I will praise Kuldeep Sen because he picked up three wickets initially. However, towards the end, he succumbed to pressure. Avesh Khan was also bowling a decent over but then he conceded a boundary," Chopra concluded.