Rajasthan Royals (RR) swashbuckling opening batter Jos Buttler missed the franchise's Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 13 (Saturday). RR captain Sanju Samson at the toss revealed that Buttler was ruled out with a niggle alongside veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Explosive batter Rovman Powell replaced Buttler in Rajasthan's squad for the match against the Kings.
Rovamn Powell gives an update on Jos Buttler
After the game, Powell gave an update on Buttler's injury and affirmed that the team's medical staff is doing an excellent job to make sure the Englishman returns as soon as possible. Powell asserted that Buttler could be fit and ready for the franchise's next game which is against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 16.
"I think they are doing some very good work with him, I think he would be out for another day or two but it’s good that we have a game in 3-4 days, so he will likely be back by then," Powell told the broadcasters after the game, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Shimron Hetmyer takes RR home
The Rajasthan-based franchise avoided a major choke job against the Punjab-based franchise on Saturday. Chasing a small target of 148 runs, the Royals almost shot themselves in the foot by adopting an ultra-conservative approach. If not for Shimron Hetmyer's sizzling match-winning cameo at the end, the Royals were destined to lose the match.
In the end. Hetmyer remained unbeaten on 27 runs off 10 balls with the help of one four and three sixes. As a result, Rajasthan chased down the target with just one ball to spare and three wickets left in the kitty.
With yet another victory, Rajasthan Royals consolidated their position on the top of the points table. The Royals have won five of the six matches played so far. On the flip side, the Punjab Kings lost their fourth match of the season and still stuck with just two wins in six matches.
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