Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
On ‘Kuhl Fans Match Centre Live on JioHotstar’, JioStar experts Sanjay Manjrekar and Michael Clarke shared their insights following Rajasthan Royals’ comprehensive performance against Punjab Kings in the ongoing TATA IPL. Speaking exclusively on Kuhl Fans Match Centre Live on JioHotstar, JioStar expert Sanjay Manjrekar reflected on Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal and the broader impact it had on Punjab Kings’ innings. He said: "It was actually very hard for me to see that kind of dismissal of Shreyas Iyer. That shot was terrible—and it's not just about how you get out. It’s just that a dismissal like that, especially of the captain in form, sends the wrong message in the dressing room. It might not leave them disheartened, but it certainly doesn't make them feel upbeat about their own chances. That wicket had more impact than just one batter getting out. And this Rajasthan Royals team—with Yashasvi Jaiswal getting runs—is starting to look good. They've got a very interesting bowling combination as well. In Archer, one of the best new-ball bowlers; in Sandeep Sharma, one of the best death-over specialists; and players like Maheesh Theekshana in the middle overs are beginning to shine."
JioStar expert Michael Clarke also weighed in on Iyer’s dismissal and Punjab Kings' overall approach. He said: "I thought Rajasthan Royals did well to reach 200 runs—that was a really good total. Punjab Kings were probably disappointed they allowed that many. But that first ball from Jofra Archer really set the tone for Rajasthan Royals. It was an absolute beauty. Then Shreyas followed it up with two unbelievable cover drives—up and over cover. But then, that fast bounce… it may have put him on the back foot. The next ball, he steps away—not the best-looking shot—and gets his stumps ripped out. Three wickets in the powerplay always make things difficult. Rajasthan Royals started really well with the ball. They batted well too, given the surface. There wasn’t any dew—some wind earlier in the day likely kept it away. So even though Shreyas won the toss and chose to chase expecting dew, it didn’t arrive."
That rest brought the best out of him: Sanjay Manjrekar hails Jofra Archer after heroics with ball in PBKS vs RR
Sanjay Manjrekar further praised Jofra Archer’s impactful performance, saying: "Great bowling by Archer. He was literally sleeping in the dressing room—as we all saw! But maybe that rest brought the best out of him. For Rajasthan Royals, having Punjab three down for 25 in the initial overs meant the damage was done—not just with wickets, but morally too. Even if you have someone like Marco Jansen batting at number 9, it’s too little too late. Archer looked sharp—Mumbai Indians invested in him, but he’s turning up big time now for Rajasthan Royals."
On Yashasvi Jaiswal, Michael Clarke commented: "Jaiswal was brilliant today. I think he was just a tiny bit more watchful early on—maybe the first six to eight balls—compared to how aggressive he has been in earlier matches. A few good shots gave him confidence, and the momentum took off from there. If you look at his wagon wheel, he hits all around the park. Yes, he likes the leg side, but those up-and-over shots past the keeper and his cover drives—he’s got all the shots. If he just gives himself a couple of balls, even tries hitting on the ground in that first over, he can be so destructive. Rajasthan Royals are a different team when their opening combination fires—they’re just so powerful."
On Riyan Parag, Sanjay Manjrekar said: "I really feel Riyan Parag’s innings was even more important for Rajasthan Royals. Yes, Jaiswal gave them a good start, but he was dismissed in the 14th over. After that, Parag took his time—and I was a bit worried he might be going too slow, but then he exploded. He now knows and trusts that he can make up for a slower start. In the first 13 balls, his strike rate was just over 100. In the next 13–14 balls, it was touching 200. That innings is what put Rajasthan Royals in a great position. The moment he got width—you could see his strengths: shots down the ground, that helicopter-flick six over square leg. Today, five Rajasthan Royals batters scored at strike rates of 140, 160, 180, and 200. That’s the real secret to their success. Sometimes you get a great start, but if no one follows it up, you fall short. That didn’t happen today."
(With Inputs from Press Release)
