Despite Rajasthan Royals falling to a 58-run defeat against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 match on Wednesday, spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule remained upbeat, drawing attention to the positives and reaffirming faith in the squad’s young Indian core.
After opting to bowl first on a high-scoring surface, the Royals restricted Gujarat Titans to 217/6. Jofra Archer was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 1/30 from his four overs.
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The Royals' chase showed promise. Shimron Hetmyer hammered a 32-ball 52 while captain Sanju Samson chipped in with a 28-ball 41. However, the side was eventually bowled out for 159 in 19.2 overs.
At the post-match press conference, Bahutule stressed the importance of focusing on the positives.
“For the Rajasthan Royals, we try and assess what went right for us and in every match, there are some positives,” Bahutule said.
Despite the temporary setback, Bahutule expressed his confidence in the team’s young core and the team’s long-term vision.
“I feel we have Indian batters who have a lot of opportunities to play an entire tournament, so having youngsters in our side makes a huge difference. They will get the opportunity to really show their talent and 14 league games is a long time for any young player to do well.”
Bahutule also praised Jofra Archer’s return to form after a rusty outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 opener.
“After that first game, he worked hand-in-hand with Shane Bond (assistant and fast bowling coach) and understood a few aspects of his bowling and the way he’s got back is purely due to his understanding of where he needs to improve - where are the areas, where are the lengths and the lines he needs to get better.
“He is a world-class bowler and has understood his areas of concern and he rectified it and (is) bowling in a best rhythm.”
Addressing questions about Shimron Hetmyer’s ideal batting position, Bahutule said the team had a clear strategy based on the match situation.
“I think we have a clear understanding as to when he needs to enter the game. Bringing him up the order will also mean a youngster will have to go down the order. So we have to be very consistent on whatever we decide on our game plan and that’s what we have been doing.
“It has a lot to do with match-ups also. He was the ideal match-up when we sent him. There is a lot of clarity in the conversations between the players and the support staff.”
Rajasthan Royals’ next match will be against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Sunday.
