IPL 2024 [WATCH]: Rajasthan Royals’ Kuldeep Sen wreaks havoc with his fast bowling against Gujarat Titans

Rajasthan Royals (RR) pacer Kuldeep Sen showcased an outstanding bowling display during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Wednesday (April 10). Despite his impressive performance, Rajasthan faced a thrilling last-ball defeat by three wickets, as Gujarat emerged victorious.

Rajasthan Royals’ strong batting display

Shubman Gill, the captain of GT, won the toss and opted to bowl first after a delayed start due to rain. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the first wicket to fall for RR, scoring 24 runs off 19 balls, followed by Jos Buttler, who managed 8 runs. However, Riyan Parag and captain Sanju Samson then took charge, leading a remarkable recovery for Rajasthan. Samson smashed an unbeaten 68 off just 38 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes, while Parag contributed 76 runs off 48 balls, featuring 3 fours and 5 sixes. Their partnership of 130 runs for the third wicket propelled Rajasthan to a formidable total of 196/3 in 20 overs, setting a challenging target for Gujarat.

Strong response by Shubman Gill

In response to RR formidable total, GT began their innings with a promising partnership between Gill and Sai Sudharsan. The duo swiftly accumulated runs, demonstrating their intent with a brisk start that saw them amass 64 runs in just 8.2 overs. Nevertheless, RR’s captain, Samson, decided to introduce his fastest bowler, Kuldeep, into the bowling attack. Sen’s inclusion proved to be a game-changer as he immediately made an impact with his bowling prowess.

Sai Sudharsan’s lbw dismissal

On the third delivery of Sen’s over, he bowled a full-length straight ball to Sudharsan. The batter attempted a scoop shot, but he shifted significantly from his stance across the line and missed the ball completely. As a result, the ball struck Sudharsan’s pad in front of the middle stump. Initially, the on-field umpire ruled not out. Nonetheless, Samson decided to review the decision. Before the third umpire could complete the examination of the ball tracking, Sudharsan observed the replay on the screen himself and voluntarily walked back to the pavilion, realizing he was out LBW.

Here’s the video:

pic.twitter.com/ESOnuCE4E4

— Sitaraman (@Sitaraman112971) April 10, 2024

Also READ: IPL 2024: Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg on Riyan Parag’s return to form

Kuldeep Sen’s impactful wickets

After a brief rain interruption, Kuldeep returned to bowl another over. In this over, he claimed two wickets, the first of which was Matthew Wade‘s dismissal. Sen delivered a shortish delivery, which Wade attempted to chop onto the stumps. Unfortunately for Wade, he mistimed his shot, and the ball deflected off his bat onto the stumps. It was a disappointing end to Wade’s innings, as he was bowled by Sen.

In the same over, Kuldeep struck again to dismiss Abhinav Manohar. This time, Sen bowled an excellent delivery that cleaned up Manohar’s stumps. It was a beautiful delivery that beat the batter’s defense comprehensively, leaving the stumps disturbed. Sen celebrated both wickets with a finger-on-lips gesture, indicating a silent celebration of his success.

Here’s the video:

𝕊𝕖𝕟 strikes twice after rain ⚡🔥#RRvGT #IPLonJioCinema #TATAIPL #IPLinBhojpuri pic.twitter.com/Ylh8FAdibJ

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 10, 2024

Costly final over

However, it wasn’t a fairy tale ending for Kuldeep as RR who were seemed to be in a commanding position till 18 overs went downhill afterwards. GT required 35 runs from the last 12 balls with four wickets in hand. Despite starting the penultimate over well, Kuldeep’s over turned out to be costly. He began by bowling a wide and then conceded a boundary. His fourth delivery was a no-ball, resulting in a free hit, which was dispatched for another boundary. Despite conceding just two runs thereafter, Kuldeep struggled to contain the opposition batters. In the final two balls of his spell, he bowled another wide, allowing the Titans to add five more runs to their total. Kuldeep, who had figures of 3/22 after three overs, ended up conceding 3/41 from his four overs, with an economy rate of 10.20.

Gujarat Titans’ thrilling last-ball victory

With the match coming down to the wire, Avesh Khan, known for his prowess in the death overs, was entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the final over to defend 15 runs. Nevertheless, GT managed to chase down the target, needing just two runs off the last ball. Rashid Khan‘s decisive boundary, a rasping cut shot, sealed the victory for the Titans in what turned out to be a thrilling finish.

Also WATCH: Rashid Khan spoils Sanju Samson & Co’s party in Jaipur | RR vs GT, IPL 2024