All existing franchises are supposed to give their list of retained players till November 30 ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. While franchises are still mulling over their final retentions, especially for overseas players, Rajasthan Royals (RR) will have a tough time deciding about their second overseas pick. Just one day before the retentions will be announced, England all-rounder Liam Livingstone has made an impact with a 24-ball 59 including five sixes.
The Team Abu Dhabi captain was sensational as he came in to bat in the second over. He took charge after last match’s half-centurion Phillip Salt departed for 22 and delivered several big hits while Chris Gayle struggled on the other end. The English batter scored with a strike rate of 245.83. He took on his English teammate Tymal Mills in the penultimate over hitting 20 runs including three fours and one six before getting out.
The skipper’s half-century complimented by Colin Ingram’s cameo of 11-ball 25 helped his team post a total of 125/4 while batting first. In reply, Deccan Gladiators lost the plot of run chase in death overs as they fell short by eight runs. Livingstone tried his hand with ball as well but conceded 17 runs in a single over.
In second phase of IPL 2021, Livingstone got five chances to prove his mettle but he could score just 42 runs with a high score of 25. As per reports, they are set to retain Jos Buttler as their primary overseas pick. With Livingstone yet to prove himself on IPL stage, it will be interesting to see if Royals decide to retain him despite dismal performances in UAE.
