The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 kicked off fabulously, and the fourth match of the tournament saw Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) hosting Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. With the recent passing of former India cricketer Salim Durani, both SRH and RR players and coaches, along with match officials, were seen observing a minute of silence before the match to pay respects to the veteran all-rounder.
At the age of 88, Salim Durani had reportedly struggled to get back on his feet following a fracture in his thigh bone and underwent proximal femoral nail surgery as well. The players were also seen wearing black armbands throughout the game to pay their respects to the late Indian cricketer.
.@SunRisers & @rajasthanroyals and the match officials observe silence to pay respects to the late Salim Durani. pic.twitter.com/alTAAhauoK
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 2, 2023
Talking about the game, Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and elected to field first. The Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals came in to bat and their openers came out all guns blazing.
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Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings for the inaugural champions, and both played a knock for the ages. Buttler, who won the IPL orange cap in 2022, kicked off the season in style as he scored a brilliant knock of 54 runs in just 22 deliveries.
Buttler also smashed three sixes and seven fours in the process. The 32-year-old provided his side with just the start that they needed in their very first game of the tournament.
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Following his dismissal, Yashaswi Jaiswal also completed his half-century and formed a formidable partnership with skipper Sanju Samson. However, after a brilliant knock, Jaiswal was sent back to the pavilion after scoring 54 runs. Thanks to the batting exploit by the opening duo, Rajasthan Royals notched up their highest-ever powerplay total, posting 85/1 in six overs.
