IPL 2024: My plan was to keep bowling variations and cutters – Sandeep Sharma after match-winning spell

Rajasthan Royals experienced swing bowler Sandeep Sharma was delighted after bowling a match-winning spell against Mumbai Indians at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur as they registered a comprehensive nine-wicket win on Monday.

After Trent Boult got the big wicket of Rohit Sharma, Sharma had Kishan caught behind by Sanju Samson. The right-arm seamer then dismissed dangerous Suryakumar Yadav to leave MI in tatters at 20-3.

Sharma bowled a terrific last over, picking three wickets of Tilak Varma, Tim David, and Gerald Coetzee, and conceded only three runs. The right-arm seamer returned with impressive figures of 5-18 in his quota of four overs, which is his best return in the IPL.

Sharma revealed his plan was to keep bowling variations and cutters to bamboozle the opposition batters.

Sandeep was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine bowling show. Sharma said in the post-match presentation, “Got fit a day before yesterday only. The first game after fitness, and feeling good. The pitch was on a slower side and lower side, so my plan was to keep bowling variations and cutters. If you’re bowling in the end, you have to have a big heart.”

He added, “Have seen in the IPL, bowlers are under the pump. Need to have big heart and keep executing plans. As you know, I went unsold two years ago. Came in as a replacement. So I’m enjoying every game.”

On the other hand, Yashasvi Jaiswal got back amongst the runs as he scored a fantastic knock of unbeaten 104 off 60 balls. The left-hander scored nine fours and seven sixes in his blistering knock. Jaiswal added 109 runs with his skipper Sanju Samson for the second wicket.

Jaiswal said after the game, “Thank you so much, I really enjoyed from the start and I made sure I was watching the ball properly and playing proper cricketing shots. I’m trying to do what I am doing well, some days it comes good and some days it doesn’t, I’m not thinking much. I want to thank all my seniors the way they have guided me. I want to thank the Rajasthan Royals management and especially Sanga sir and Sanju bhai for giving me opportunities. I go out and give my best in the practice sessions and I’m so happy today.”

Rajasthan Royals will next take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Saturday.