\u201cBoth opening pairs are destructive in their own ways. We\u2019ve obviously seen for a few years now the dynamic partnership that we have with Travis and Abhishek,\u201dsaid SRH assistant coach James Franklin in the lead-up to the clash against Royals. \u201cAnd then there\u2019s been the emergence of Sooryavanshi and Jaiswal for RR from the back end of last year\u2019s IPL. As an opening partnership, they have been equally destructive. So, I dare say both bowling line-ups have got their work cut out for them, but that makes the game exciting for everyone involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among these belligerent batters, Head has been a tad subdued by his usual standards. According to Franklin, however, there is no cause for concern. \u201cMore than individual form or scores, we look at the partnership. We look at the way that he and Abhishek put pressure back on opposition bowlers,\u201d the New Zealander explained. \u201cSo tomorrow is another opportunity for Travis and Abhishek to go and stamp their mark on the game. There is no doubt about Travis\u2019 ability to play a match-winning role for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shanaka urges RR middle-order to stick around for longer<\/h4>\n![\"FILE](\"https:\/\/ss-i.thgim.com\/public\/incoming\/60h1tp\/article71026504.ece\/alternates\/FREE_1200\/11908_24_5_2026_16_38_26_3_DSC_6719.JPG\" "\\"FILE")
<\/p>\n FILE PHOTO: Dasun Shanaka has scored just 55 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 162.
\n | Photo Credit:
\n Emmanual Yogini\n <\/p>\n![\"lightbox-info\"\/](\"https:\/\/assetsss.thehindu.com\/theme\/images\/SSRX\/lightbox-info.svg\")
<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
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FILE PHOTO: Dasun Shanaka has scored just 55 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 162.
\n | Photo Credit:
\n Emmanual Yogini\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
In Rajasthan Royals\u2019 run to the playoffs of IPL 2026, the middle-order has been its soft underbelly. While the top three of Sooryavanshi, Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel have compiled more than 350 runs each, no other batter has even managed a tally of 300 runs in the tournament\u2019s 19th edition.<\/p>\n
All-rounder Dasun Shanaka, who has played five games this season, said that the middle-order batters need to take a bit of time to assess the situation at hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost times, the top-order has done the job. It\u2019s about handling different situations. Following the top-order batters, who are playing at a high strike-rate, there is pressure. The batters in the middle-order need to take a bit of time to establish themselves. As someone who has played a lot of cricket there, I feel we need to stay in longer. That\u2019s the key to success in these tough situations,\u201d the 34-year-old Sri Lankan said at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Going into the season, RR\u2019s decision to appoint Riyan Parag as skipper faced some flak. Asked for his view on how the 24-year-old had fared in his maiden season as full-time captain, Shanaka said: \u201cParag sticks to his decisions. That\u2019s what is important. Many people criticize, but I see him as a great leader in the making. I am also a guy who likes to learn from different people. I am also learning from him. Obviously, I am passing messages to him as well, which is really important.\u201d<\/p>\n
Published on May 26, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
<\/p>\n\n | Photo Credit:
\n Emmanual Yogini\n <\/p>\n
<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\n
FILE PHOTO: Dasun Shanaka has scored just 55 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 162.
\n | Photo Credit:
\n Emmanual Yogini\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
In Rajasthan Royals\u2019 run to the playoffs of IPL 2026, the middle-order has been its soft underbelly. While the top three of Sooryavanshi, Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel have compiled more than 350 runs each, no other batter has even managed a tally of 300 runs in the tournament\u2019s 19th edition.<\/p>\n
All-rounder Dasun Shanaka, who has played five games this season, said that the middle-order batters need to take a bit of time to assess the situation at hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost times, the top-order has done the job. It\u2019s about handling different situations. Following the top-order batters, who are playing at a high strike-rate, there is pressure. The batters in the middle-order need to take a bit of time to establish themselves. As someone who has played a lot of cricket there, I feel we need to stay in longer. That\u2019s the key to success in these tough situations,\u201d the 34-year-old Sri Lankan said at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Going into the season, RR\u2019s decision to appoint Riyan Parag as skipper faced some flak. Asked for his view on how the 24-year-old had fared in his maiden season as full-time captain, Shanaka said: \u201cParag sticks to his decisions. That\u2019s what is important. Many people criticize, but I see him as a great leader in the making. I am also a guy who likes to learn from different people. I am also learning from him. Obviously, I am passing messages to him as well, which is really important.\u201d<\/p>\n
Published on May 26, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"