Picture Credit: Twitter
Rajasthan Royals fans were baffled to see Ravichandran Ashwin walk out to bat in the middle after the team lost 4 wickets inside the first 10 overs. However, seems like the inaugural IPL champions had a plan in mind as per which Ashwin was sent ahead of Riyan Parag.
While Ashwin and Shimron Hetmyer stitched together a wonderful partnership worth 68 off 51 balls to put the innings back on track when the team required to go for the big hits, Ashwin chose to "retire out" to make way for Parag. Having said that, the off-spinner did play his part to perfection and scored 28 off 23 with the help of 2 sixes.
Have a look at Ashwin heading back to the dressing room here:
The two batters played a huge role in helping Rajasthan post 165/6 with Hetmyer leading the charge. At the end of the first innings, the West Indian batter said that he had no idea about the decision but it worked out fine for the team as Parag even smashed a six in the final over.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan started the second half of the match in sensational style with new-ball bowler Trent Boult picking two wickets in the first over itself. Boult clean bowled Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul in the very first ball before getting Krishnappa Gowtham caught leg before wicket with another in-swinging delivery later in the over.
Lucknow will have a tough ask ahead if they want to clinch two points from this situation.
