Rahul Dravid Frustrated After RR’s 10th IPL Loss: ‘There’s No Point’
Rajasthan Royals Coach Expresses Disappointment After Another Defeat
Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid isn’t hiding his frustration. His team suffered their tenth loss of the IPL 2025 season, a crushing 8-wicket defeat to the Punjab Kings. This result leaves RR languishing in ninth place on the points table, far from the high hopes they had at the start of the season.
A Team That Can’t Seem to Find Consistency
While RR enjoyed a promising start, including a remarkable century by young talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi, they’ve struggled to maintain that momentum. Dravid pointed to several weaknesses, particularly in death bowling and middle-order batting.
Conceding Runs and Missing Big Shots
After the loss to Punjab Kings, Dravid was blunt in his assessment. ‘There’s no point just blaming the batsman,’ he said. ‘I think with the ball also, to be honest, I didn’t think it was a 220 wicket, it was about a 195, 200 wicket, and we gave 20 runs extra.’
He emphasized that conceding extra runs has been a recurring problem, making it difficult for the batsmen to chase down large totals. He also noted that RR often finds itself in good positions but can’t capitalize, especially in the lower middle order where big hits have been lacking.
Death Bowling Continues to Be a Concern
One of RR’s biggest weaknesses this season has been their death bowling. In matches against Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, they conceded over 70 runs in the final five overs. Dravid acknowledged that while the plans are good, the execution has been poor, leading to disappointing results.
Criticism from the Legends
The team’s struggles have drawn criticism from cricketing greats, including Sunil Gavaskar, who expressed his surprise at RR’s lack of strategic play, especially under Dravid’s leadership. Gavaskar questioned the team’s decision-making and approach during crucial moments, suggesting a deeper flaw in their strategy.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: A Shining Star Amidst the Struggle
Despite the team’s overall struggles, young prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been a bright spot. The 14-year-old made headlines with a 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans, showcasing his immense potential. However, he’s also faced setbacks, including a two-ball duck against Mumbai Indians, reminding everyone that professional cricket is a rollercoaster ride.
Dravid has urged for realistic expectations regarding Suryavanshi’s performance, emphasizing the importance of supporting young talent through both successes and challenges.
Looking Ahead: One Last Chance to Salvage Pride
As RR prepares for their final match of the season against the Chennai Super Kings, the focus shifts to avoiding the bottom spot on the table and salvaging some pride. Dravid’s leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding the team through this challenging period. The season’s outcomes highlight the need for introspection and strategic adjustments to build a more consistent and resilient team in future campaigns.
