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Rajasthan Royals returned to winning ways and sealed their spot in Qualifier 2 after defeating Royal Challenges Bengaluru in the Eliminator by four wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on May 22 (Wednesday). After RR's stunning win over RCB, veteran player Ravichandran Ashwin revealed the reason for not being able to perform well in the first half of the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Ravichandran Aswin speaks on his performance
Ashwin said that he was unable to move his body really well and took some time to get back into the rhythm. He also talked about an abdomen injury and how difficult it was to come into this tournament after playing a Test series.
"We haven't done very well in the last few games. We didn't put par scores and we lost Buttler, and Hetmyer was injured. Today's win was important. We were a bit rusty chasing it, but this win will give us some confidence. In the first half, I felt my body wasn't moving too well for the first half of the season. I had an abdomen injury as well. I am aging as well. To come into the tournament from Test cricket was difficult, I needed some time to get that bowling rhytmn. But once you have committed to your franchise, you want to go through with the season," said Ashwin in the post-match presentation.
“I think we hit the right lengths, the way Boult was bowling, he got a bit of swing and seam movement. In the second innings, I don't think there was a lot of dew. I think there were some exceptional shots from our boys to get that chase. I think our greatest strength is the exuberance of youth and the experience we have got to support that. Now that Hettie is back in, and Rovman got a few boundaries today as well. We've got Keshav sitting outside. We have the right momentum for this team going forward,” he added.
Ashwin helps RR qualify for next round
Ravichandran Ashwin received the Player of the Match for his performance in the clash against RCB. He picked up two big wickets of Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell in his four-over spell and only gave away 19 runs. His spell helped RR restrict RCB on 172/8. The Royals later chased it down with one over and five wickets remaining. RR will now compete against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier 2 and the winner of that match will then face Kolkata Knight Riders in the Final of IPL 2024.
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