IPL 2022: He is a problem for RR on flat tracks – Sanjay Manjrekar on Ravichandran Ashwin

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes Ravichandran Ashwin is a problem for Rajasthan Royals when the team is playing on flat tracks as he tries a lot of variations.

Ashwin didn’t have a great outing against Gujarat Titans in the first Qualifier as he conceded 40 runs in his quota of four overs and went wicketless.

It was noticed that Ashwin bowled quicker through the air and thus didn’t get any help from the surface. The veteran off-spinner was taken for 14 runs off the first three deliveries he bowled against Shubman Gill.

Meanwhile, Ashwin has all the experience and he will look to bounce back stronger in the all-important Qualifier two against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Ashwin has scalped 11 wickets in 14 matches of Tata IPL 2022 at an average of 40 and he has conceded his runs at an economy rate of 7.33.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo: “Ravichandran Ashwin is a problem for RR on flat tracks as he tries a lot of variations. He bowls fewer off-spinners on such occasions. But when there is turn, then he becomes a dangerous bowler. RR will benefit if the pitch is favourable for spinners as Chahal and Ashwin will bowl in tandem.”

Manjrekar feels death bowling is an issue for RR as Prasidh Krishna and Trent Boult are not known for it. Krishna could not defend 16 runs in the final over against Gujarat Titans as David Miller smashed him for three sixes.

“Death bowling has been a weakness for RR. Trent Boult is a world-class bowler but they have to use him with the new ball as his record isn’t that great in the death overs. They have backed Prasidh Krishna and he has done decently well this season. Obed McCoy has proved to be a surprise package and they will trust him to deliver. There’s no option other than Riyan Parag for the sixth bowler.”

Manjrekar feels RCB will be favorites against RR in the second qualifier as they have the players who have a better temperament for big matches. RCB also have the winning impetus on their side.

“RR has gotten used to winning matches despite losing the tosses. But RCB has players, have the temperament that is needed for big matches. While RR lost their game against GT, they didn’t lose it by a big margin. But looking at the two sides, I feel Bangalore will be the favorites to win the game.”