Every IPL season features at least one game where a team churns out a perfect storm to blow the opposition out of the water, working every miracle possible for the win. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) enjoyed one such evening in Jaipur, epitomized by a stunning piece of effort from Anuj Rawat reminiscent of MS Dhoni.
RCB steamrolled their way to a hugely advantageous position against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on a windy day at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, having the hosts bundled out at 59/8 after 10 overs in a chase of 172. While the likes of Wayne Parnell and Michael Bracewell infused early damage with some clinical bowling, It was the effort from Anuj Rawat that virtually sealed a win for Bangalore as well as a spot for himself in the season’s highlight reel.
WATCH – Sandeep Sharma Bamboozles Glenn Maxwell With A Fiery Yorker
Shimron Hetmyer was up against Karn Sharma with Ravichandran Ashwin at the other end and cut the last ball of the eighth over towards the deep point. Ashwin ran the first quickly and he was seen charging towards the other end for a second but was sent back immediately by his Caribbean partner.
The veteran bowler executed a quick U-turn and extended his bat into the crease. However, Anuj Rawat cheekily deceived his compatriot by standing fair way away from the stumps with his back turned towards the fielder, only to flick the ball under his legs once he received the ball from Mohammad Siraj without even having a look at the target.
ALSO READ: Yuzvendra Chahal Reveals The Crucial Advice AB de Villiers Gave Him
Even though the audacious attempt ended up hitting the wickets, Ashwin looked to have made it back to the crease comfortably and stood his ground with an air of confidence. However, much to his and Hetmyer’s shock, Ashwin’s bat was centimeters short of the crease when the bails lit up. The RCB players immediately huddled around Rawat and submerged him in a sea of head pats and show of appreciation.
Here is the video of the effort from Anuj Rawat:
The Twitterati got busy comparing the antics to a certain MS Dhoni.
https://twitter.com/imPrabu/status/1657727389353525248?s=20
https://twitter.com/mananthakurr/status/1657727007466360832?s=20
Smart work from Anuj Rawat!
Ravi Ashwin departs for a diamond duck #RCBvsRR pic.twitter.com/vtEJsmc3hK
— Sonusays (@IamSonu____) May 14, 2023
Jeez Ashwin. Or is it the brilliance from Rawat?
— Udit (@udit_buch) May 14, 2023
Seen Zero match awareness on a do or die match from 3,
Sanju Samson
Druv Jurel
Ashwin Anna— Jaammii.. (@Jaammiing) May 14, 2023
Ashwin fell short by an inch or two just when Hetmyer started hitting long sixes. He needs someone to stay by him if RR wants to take his game deep until the end. #RRvsRCB #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/OoOSVXusaV
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) May 14, 2023
