Rajasthan Royals’ top three batters put up a dominating performance to guide the 2008 champions to a commanding total of 203-5 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The hosts, in reply, could only manage 131-8. England white-ball skipper Jos Buttler’s explosive 22-ball 54 earned him the Player of the Match award. Fellow opener Yashasvi Jaiswal also scored a quickfire 54, while skipper Sanju Samson chipped in with 55 runs.
Despite his excellent form, Buttler’s signature scoop shot was missing from his knock. However, the 32-year-old revealed that he hasn’t fallen out of love with the shot and is only being more selective about when to play it.
He mentioned in a post-match video with teammate Yuzvendra Chahal that the scoop shot remains his favorite shot, but he won’t attempt it unless he feels 100% comfortable doing so.
Buttler’s form is crucial to England’s hopes of retaining their 50-overs World Cup title in India later this year. After the match, Buttler expressed his satisfaction with his performance and credited his opening partnership with Jaiswal for putting pressure on the bowlers from the start.
Rajasthan will now face Punjab Kings in their upcoming IPL match in Guwahati on Wednesday.
