Rajasthan Royals Miss Crucial Moments Once More as Season Eludes Them

Rajasthan Royals have had a season with plenty of close matches but insufficient victories. They have lost four games that they might have easily won. Such close losses consist of losses to Delhi Capitals in the Super Over and by tiny margins against Lucknow Super Giants Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders. Even though Rajasthan Royals have reached close to winning these matches they have not been able to finish well which has been their greatest weakness.

Riyan Parag nearly gave his team a victory with a great knock of 95 runs off only 45 balls. He even hit five sixes in one over which gave hope to the team and spectators. But after he got out in the 18th over the momentum changed. Kolkata Knight Riders bowled hard and were able to defend 22 runs in the last over. Shubham Dubey did his best but his brief spell was not sufficient. This has been the tale of Rajasthan Royals all season long. They put themselves in winning situations but are unable to get over the line.

Batting coach Vikram Rathour showed his disappointment and conceded that the team has not gelled as a unit. He opines that most of the players have performed at an individual level. Certain batsmen have been scoring and there have also been good spells from bowlers. But yet, it hasn't been put together as a team effort. They have never played well simultaneously in all three facets of the game. Even the fielding has disappointed them when it matters the most. This absence of overall team effort has cost them matches.

Rathour emphasized that the players are good and have been training well. They are good in training sessions and their technique is not so bad. But when it comes to matches, things don't click. He feels that this season has been a challenging learning experience and there are lots of areas where the team needs to improve. He is optimistic that in the coming couple of seasons the side will improve and become one of the best batting sides and a good contender.

One of the choices that was in the news this season was not keeping Jos Buttler. Instead, the management decided to retain Shimron Hetmyer who was to play the finisher's role. But Hetmyer has failed to deliver this year as per expectations. Rathour had defended the move and averred that there could be just six players kept from the current squad. Management believed in the selection they had made and had confidence that Hetmyer could seal games. Unfortunately, he has not managed to do that this season.

Rathour further noted that it happens even to top players to have subpar seasons. Hetmyer has previously performed well at the international level as well as franchise cricket. It just didn't happen with him this season. Rathour is of the opinion that no need to worry as such patches come in every game. In his opinion, Hetmyer remains a good player who could rebound and better his performance next time.

Rajasthan Royals Ingletons have displayed moments of brilliance this season. In'dividual players have risen to the occasion and played well, but as a unit they have not been able to complete games. The one or two-run defeats have denied them a chance and given them plenty to reflect upon. Rathour is optimistic and feels that with some alterations and improved coordination among the team members the Royals can return in a stronger fashion in the coming years. At present the team needs to learn from these near misses and try harder to be more clinical with their finishing.

Overall Rajasthan Royals possess the potential and the talent. They have been competitive in the majority of the matches but small errors and failure to play as a collective unit have gone against them. Rathour's candid review indicates that the team understands what they did wrong and what they need to improve. If they can gel as a unit and assist one another in all aspects of the game, they stand a good chance to develop into a strong squad next season.