IPL 2023: The sooner we will forget this game, the better for us – Yuzvendra Chahal after disappointing loss against SRH

Rajasthan Royals’ experienced spinner Yuzvendra Chahal feels it will be better for them if they forget about the disappointing loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium, Jaipur on Sunday. RR were in a shoo-in position while defending 215 runs with the visitors requiring 41 runs off the last two overs.

But Kuldip Yadav and Sandeep Sharma could not deliver in the final two overs as Glenn Phillips and Abdul Samad got the job done for SRH. Phillips smashed a cracking knock of 25 runs off just seven balls whereas Samad scored 17 runs from seven balls for the Orange Army.

In fact, Rajasthan Royals have veered off the playoff track as they have managed only one win in the last six games. This heartbreaking loss also dented their chances of making the last four of the tournament.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Chahal admitted that the loss is difficult is a difficult pill to swallow and said: “It will take some time, but still, three matches are there. And if we win our remaining three games, there are still chances [of RR qualifying for playoffs]. The sooner we will forget this game, the better for us.

“Such matches hurt you, but it is a part of the game. Definitely, we will storm back together.”

On introducing Obed McCoy as the impact substitute, Chahal revealed that the lanky West Indian has a good slower ball. However, McCoy was given only one over by Sanju Samson, which went for 13 runs.

“Obed was bowling well in the nets and this wicket was a little bit on the slower side. He has a good slower one and he can use his height. That’s why we decided…”

Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal was the pick of the RR bowlers as he returned with impressive figures of 4-29 but his heroics with the ball went in vain.

Speaking about his impressive bowling performance, the leg-spinner from Haryana said, “I was just backing myself and my strengths. I was focusing more on my length and was conscious not to bowl it too full.”

Rajasthan Royals will next take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday.