IPL 2018, CSK vs RR: 5 Talking Points

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

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.