Updated: September 30, 2020 10:36:36 a.m.
Historically, weirdos have troubled Rohit Sharma in the first six overs. They put it out six times in the last three editions of the IPL. Perhaps that was what led Virat Kohli to defeat Washington in the second round.
At the end of the exciting IPL game Royal Challengers Bangalore against Mumbai Indians, which was decided in the Super Over, it was about Ishan Kishan’s missed hundred and the improvisational genius of AB de Villiers.
However, an outstanding bowling performance escaped both fans and experts. In a match with 402 runs, 23 fours and 26 sixes, the RCB all-rounder Washington Sundar was a master class in effective spin bowling in power play with 4-0-12-1.
He admitted no limits, threw 13 point balls and created unbearable pressure. In rare praise for Washington on social media, India coach Ravi Shastri tweeted: “The best performance so far in the IPL.”
Here’s how it went.
background
Historically, weirdos have troubled Rohit Sharma in the first six overs. They put it out six times in the last three editions of the IPL. Perhaps that was what led Virat Kohli to defeat Washington in the second round.
Washington’s 1st over (2nd innings): Rohit miscues draw
Washington knew exactly what Rohit likes and dislikes in a weirdo. He likes flight and space. Washington didn’t give him anything either. Rohit likes to race down the route, but Washington’s brisk pace, touching the high ’90s, kept the MI captain on the crease. And he also knew that nothing frustrates Rohit more than being tied up by a weirdo, which he did very efficiently.
The first ball spun back into him – it’s a misconception that successful T20 spinners won’t spin the ball. Rohit stared suspiciously at the pitch. Then Washington started confusing the lengths.
The next ball landed on the correct length of a spinner. But because the first ball had spun, Rohit waited for the ball and played it on his back foot. The third was short of good length that he came forward to and drove confidently.
Rohit sensed that the next ball would be shorter. He felt an outlet for the pent pressure. After all, the move is its percentage stroke. The ball was shorter in fact, except that it wasn’t short enough to be pulled, came faster than expected, and landed in the center, denying it the width that made it easier to swing the racket freely.
Rohit couldn’t time the ball. it didn’t clear the border and he was caught in the middle of the wicket.
???? Express explains is on now telegram. Click here to join our channel (@ieexplained) and stay up to date
Washington’s numbers: 1-0-2-1
Washington’s 2nd over (4th innings): The choking job
To Ishan Kishan, he went flat and held the ball on the stump. The side of the leg was adequately padded with field players in the ring, which meant that even singles were hard to come by. It wasn’t until the fourth ball, when the midfielder was pushed back, that Kishan managed to smuggle a single one.
Washington’s trick was different against de Kock in that he lost his defenses and continued the attack. Knowing the South African’s penchant for cutting, he pulled his length back a little and tried to get him deep into the crease and cut late. He was almost sucked into the trap – twice trying to force the cut.
Bowling figures: 2-0-3-1
Washington’s 3rd over (6th innings): Just can’t be beat
The final end of the power play is when batsmen, especially when chasing a steep target, get angry. But against Washington they ran out of ideas. When they tried to make a shot, Washington routinely thought about them.
On the second ball of the over, de Kock tried to make room and go inside-out, one of his trusted triggers, but Washington shot him in the center stump so quickly that the shot had to be stopped at the last moment.
Bowling figures: 3-0-7-1
Also explained in | IPL 2020: Hit the ground and get hurt
Washington’s 4th Over: (10th Innings): Pandya locked up
Hardik Pandya enjoys pounding off-spinners over the corner of the cow. He goes deep into the crease, goes under the ball and lifts it over the center of the wicket. But just as it made Rohit doubt the one turning back sharply, Washington made the second ball grab the surface and ricochet off.
Here he turned the ball too hard, and Pandya immediately became cautious and was happy to turn the stroke. That was the best strategy against Washington – Tip and Run Singles. It happened to be his most expensive day. Five runs!
Bowling figures: 4-0-12-1
???? The Indian Express is on the telegram now. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay up to date on the latest news headlines
Download the Indian Express App for the latest explained news.
© Indian Express (P) Ltd.
.
