IPL 2020: ‘Time’s running out,’ reckons Gautam Gambhir on Rajasthan Royals batsmen

Former Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir believes that the time is running out fast for Rajasthan Royals’ Robin Uthappa and Riyan Parag. He reckons that the duo failed yet again versus Royal Challengers Bangalore, not showing any form whatsoever.

“Time’s running out for both Robin Uthappa and Riyan Parag. Uthappa has not looked in any kind of form, to be honest,” Gambhir said during an ESPNCricinfo show.

Gambhir who shared the dressing room with Uthappa during their stint at Kolkata Knight Riders also mentioned that the latter comes with a lot of expectations. He also said Riyan Parag also needs to quickly join the party as many players are warming the bench. Moreover, Gambhir also said that the return of Ben Stokes would change Rajasthan’s composition.

“Robin Uthappa has to deliver. There were a lot of expectations that Robin will be able to finish off games, and if not that, at least give them the momentum they need in the middle order. So, Robin needs to deliver on those expectations,” Gambhir said.

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“Riyan Parag has not looked in any kind of form either. So, they have guys sitting on the bench, plus when Ben Stokes shows in, the combination will be completely different,” he added.

Heavy dependence on top-order for RR: Gambhir

The 38-year old also revealed that the Rajasthan-based franchise looks highly dependent on their top-order batsmen. The trio of Jos Buttler, Steve Smith and Sanju Samson has scored a big chunk of their total runs.

“It’s pretty tricky for them because they are heavily dependent on Buttler, Smith and Samson. If all of them go out early in one game, there are serious issues for them, so they need to rectify their middle order,” he concluded.

Rajasthan Royals will now lock horns against defending champions Mumbai Indians in match 20 of the tournament. The Sheikh Zayed Stadium of Abu Dhabi will host this game on October 6, 2020.

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