Former India cricketer turned Sanjay Manjrekar reckons that Rajasthan Royals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin could struggle in the middle at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad doesn’t help spinners. While speaking on ESPNcricinfo ahead of the RR vs RCB game on Friday, Sanjay Manjrekar added that Ravichandran Ashwin uses a lot of variations if there isn’t much turn on the surface. He also stated that RR will have an advantage in Qualifier 2 if the wicket helps spinners as they have two quality bowlers in their lineup.
Sanjay Manjrekar said: “Ravichandran Ashwin is a problem for RR on flat tracks as he tries a lot of variations. He bowls fewer off-spinners on such occasions. But when there is turn, then he becomes a dangerous bowler. RR will benefit if the pitch is favourable for spinners as Chahal and Ashwin will bowl in tandem.”
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Manjrekar further added: “Death bowling has been a weakness for RR. Trent Boult is a world-class bowler but they have to use him with the new ball as his record isn’t that great in the death overs. They have backed Prasidh Krishna and he has done decently well this season. Obed McCoy has proved to be a surprise package and they will trust him to deliver. There’s no option other than Riyan Parag for the sixth bowler.”
The Rajasthan-based franchise will try to win after their Qualifier 1 defeat against Gujarat Titans (GT). They will play against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Qualifier 2 on Friday, May 27 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. And, Sanjay Manjrekar said that RCB appear to be the favourites to win their clash against RR as well.
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“RR have gotten used to winning matches despite losing the tosses. But RCB have players, have the temperament that is needed for big matches. While RR lost their game against GT, they didn’t lose it by a big margin. But looking at the two sides, I feel Bangalore will be the favourites to win the game,” Sanjay Manjrekar concluded.
