Rajasthan Royals edged out Chennai Tremendous Kings by six runs in a tense IPL 2025 match however their decision-making on the loss of life left many puzzled. With MS Dhoni nonetheless within the center and 20 runs wanted off the ultimate over — RR selected to again Sandeep Sharma as a substitute of Jofra Archer — regardless of Archer’s stellar spell earlier within the match.
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The transfer raised eyebrows — contemplating Archer had given away simply 13 runs in his three overs and had already dismissed CSK’s opener Rachin Ravindra. The penultimate over — bowled by Tushar Deshpande — conceded 19 runs and elevated the strain.
RR caught with their plan although and Sandeep delivered underneath strain — he dismissed Dhoni early within the over to seal the win.
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What did Ambati Rayudu say on RR backing Sandeep Sharma over Jofra Archer vs MS Dhoni?
Former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu weighed in on RR’s name to belief Sandeep Sharma — highlighting his distinctive bowling fashion on the loss of life.
“Sandeep Sharma has bowled the same over to MS Dhoni earlier than, so which may have prompted them to go together with him. He’s their go-to loss of life bowler and has been a really skilled bowler within the IPL. He does one thing very unusual and bowls yorkers with a cross-seam; he thinks it dips on the batsman. He has been very efficient, and it was an important catch by Shimron Hetmyer,” Rayudu defined on JioHotstar.
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How has Sandeep Sharma’s historical past towards MS Dhoni been?
RR’s determination wasn’t totally out of the blue. In IPL 2023, Sandeep had efficiently defended 21 runs within the closing over towards CSK — regardless of Dhoni smashing him for 2 sixes.
On that event, he responded with three pinpoint deliveries to limit Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. This sealed a three-run win for Rajasthan.
Was it a proper name or a fortunate escape?
Whereas Sandeep acquired the job achieved towards CSK as soon as once more — the talk over Archer’s absence within the closing overs will proceed. RR’s name finally paid off however whether or not it was a calculated transfer or a lucky escape continues to be up for dialogue.