Rajasthan Royals is under fire for allegedly throwing their match against Lucknow Super Giants by Jaydeep Bihani, convenor of the Rajasthan Cricket Association’s (RCA) ad-hoc committee. The team lost the game despite needing just nine runs off the final over, managing only six.
Bihani questioned the team’s integrity, given their coach Rahul Dravid and captain Sanju Samson’s experience. The issue has put a spotlight on the RCA’s control over the team. Bihani pointed out that the district council took over the IPL despite the BCCI initially contacting the RCA. Rajasthan Royals justified this by citing the lack of an MoU for Sawai Mansingh Stadium, but Bihani countered that they still paid the district council for each match and highlighted the larger issue of the team’s management.
Riyan Parag led the team as captain in the absence of Sanju Samson due to injury. Young Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his debut, and he and Yashasvi Jaiswal gave Rajasthan a solid start, putting together 85 runs for the first wicket. Vaibhav scored 34 off 20 balls before getting out in the ninth over. Yashasvi and Riyan Parag were on 74 and 38, respectively, when Avesh Khan bowled Yashasvi out in the 18th over and then dismissed Riyan Parag on the final ball. Avesh conceded just five runs that over, leaving Rajasthan needing nine runs off the last over, which they failed to achieve, losing by two runs.
More Than Just a Loss
This isn’t the first time Rajasthan Royals have lost a match from a winning position. On April 16, they lost to Delhi Capitals despite needing nine runs off the final over, managing only eight. The subsequent Super Over also went in Delhi’s favor.
The RCA’s ad-hoc committee has raised concerns over the team’s performance. The team’s struggles have fans and officials worried. The IPL is known for its intense competition, but the Royals’ recent losses have sparked debate.