Picture Credit: Twitter
The Royals derby kicked off in a very unexpected fashion at MCA Stadium in Pune. After being invited to bat first, Rajasthan Royals had a nightmarish start to their innings as one of their opener Devdutt Padikkal got dismissed in the second over of the game by Josh Hazlewood.
R Ashwin was once again promoted at top of the order to provide quick runs but he could not spend much time on the crease as he was caught and bowled by Md Siraj in the 4th over. After two quick dismissals, the onus was on Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson to rescue the side from collapse, but least to everyone's expectation, Organe Cap holder Buttler could not make a mark in the game and returned to pavilion in the 5th over.
Sanju Samson (27 off 21) and Daryl Mitchell (16 off 24) tried to steady innings, but Bangalore bowlers had the last laugh. While Rajasthan Royals had a tough time batting at MCA, Virat Kohli, who is all set to open the innings for Bangalore, showed his brilliance in the field with a diving catch to his left at mid-off to dismiss Trent Boult in 18th over. Boult could only add five runs on board before returning to the pavilion.