Yashasvi Jaiswal observed Nitish Rana bowling the opening over and realized he could amass a large score by taking command. Patel Parthiv

Rajasthan Royals resurrected their season by defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by nine wickets in IPL 2023 Match 56 at Eden Gardens on Thursday night. The victory provided much-needed respite to the Royals’ camp, which had suffered three consecutive defeats.

KKR’s batting order took the brunt of a superb bowling spell, particularly from spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who claimed 4/25 and became the IPL’s leading wicket-taker in the process.

Venkatesh Iyer fought valiantly for KKR, scoring 57 runs in 42 balls (2×4, 4×6), but it was not enough as the hosts could only muster 149 runs in 20 overs. In response, Royals’ opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed 98 not out (47b, 12×4, 5×6) and was ably supported by captain Sanju Samson, who scored 48 not out (29b, 2×4, 5×6) as the visitors chased down the target in 13.1 overs. Jaiswal also achieved the fastest fifty in IPL history, attaining the mark in only 13 balls.

The victory gave RR 12 points, and they now hold the third spot in the standings by virtue of a higher run rate than Mumbai Indians. On the other hand, KKR is in seventh place with 10 points.

JioCinema IPL expert Parthiv Patel was stunned by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s performance and lavished him with praise, saying, “The way Yashasvi batted tonight. You mention players like Chris Gayle and Yuvraj Singh, as well as the brutal striking that we discuss.

Here, the batting was executed with appropriate timing and cricketing strokes. There was never a sense that he was forcing anything; rather, his timing was impeccable. He supported his strategy extremely well. He observed Nitish Rana bowling the first over and realized he could amass a large score if he took command, so he hit a six on the first ball. This demonstrates the mentality of the younger generation: they are fearless.”

Chahal’s deceptive bowling prevented the KKR middle and lower order from recovering. JioCinema IPL expert Graeme Smith stated, “KKR was aware that they required 180 runs in the evening.” The fielding was superb and the effort was outstanding, and there were some fantastic catches.

Yuzi Chahal was brought in when the team needed to accelerate, and he dominated the final portion of the innings. He can throw the ball up and is tactically one step ahead of every batter. He is capable of bowling wide and then delivering a direct slider.”

Smith said of Samson, “He has such natural talent. He is a natural timekeeper. Observing these individuals, it appears so simple and uncomplicated for them to hit the ball beyond the boundary. He is an extremely accomplished cricketer. Occasionally, I wish I could jolt Sanju Samson to get more out of him. He is yet another talent you believe should be taken to the next level.”