IPL 2018, CSK vs RR: 5 Talking Points

#2 RR spring a surprise as Henrich Klaasen opens the innings

Debutant Henrich KlaasenÂ opened the innings with AJinkya — Debutant Henrich Klaasen opened the innings with Ajinkya Rahane.

D’Arcy Short struggled in the first four games and the axe was on the cards. Henrich Klaasen who had impressed everybody in the India-South Africa limited-overs series was brought in.

It was expected that Klaasen would bat in the middle order given his ability to play spin well. Also, his inclusion would allow Tripathi who has been batting in the middle order to move back to the top of the order.

However, the Rajasthan Royals think-tank opted to open with the South African batsman. With regular openers, Tripathi and Samson in the XI, it was surprising to see Klaasen open the innings.

On debut, he struggled to score freely. He was given a reprieve on the first ball of his IPL career as Shane Watson dropped one at first slip.

However, the 26-year-old wicket-keeper batsman couldn’t make use of his chance as he was out bowled for seven in as many balls.

About the author

Sahil is a journalist who covers cricket at Sportskeeda. His passion for the sport goes beyond boundaries, with the Indian Cricket Team and Royal Challengers Bangalore holding a special place in his heart. Having provided text commentary during the 2019 World Cup, Sahil brings extensive experience in covering cricket, showcasing a deep knowledge of the game and its players. He is committed to crafting engaging narratives, staying updated with the latest trends, and sharing valuable insights with readers. Sahil is also well-versed in SEO and journalism guidelines, contributing as an experienced journalist in the sports industry.

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Edited by Alan John