'Pretty strange that they are in this situation' - Graeme Swann surprised by RR's dismal run in last few games

After having a great start to their IPL 2023 campaign where Rajasthan Royals won four out of the first five matches, the Sanju Samson-led side has gone astray as they’ve lost five out of their last six games. Rajasthan are fifth on the points table with five wins from 11 matches and are now in a do-or-die situation in the tournament.

Commenting on RR’s dismal run in their last few games, former England cricketer Graeme Swann said that he’s surprised by their current condition after making such a good start to the tournament. He further stated that the team is finding ways to lose games and are just two wins away from the playoffs.

"They're in the doldrums, aren't they? Pretty strange that they are in this situation after making such a strong start to the tournament. I feel they are two wins away from the playoffs and could have easily gotten those two wins in these last few games. They're just finding ways to lose games,” said Swann in a media interaction.

The former England spinner said that Buttler’s return to form is a good sign for the team going ahead and further advised Sandeep Sharma to keep his foot behind the line to avoid no balls.

"With Jos Buttler back in form, I think they will be okay, but they just need to keep their foot behind the line. Rajasthan will be back. Just make sure they rally around Sandeep Sharma, get his foot behind the line and make sure there are no no-balls,” he added.

Sandeep Sharma's no-ball costs RR

Notably, during Rajasthan’s last fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad a no-ball by Sandeep Sharma cost them the game. Chasing a target of 215, SRH needed five to win off the last ball. Abdul Samad tried to go big on the last delivery but could only find the fielder at long-off, however, much to Sandeep Sharma’s dismay he ended up overstepping which resulted in a no-ball.

With four needed on the last ball after surviving on the ‘no-ball’, Samad managed to clear the fence on the second attempt and scripted a thrilling win for his side. During the game, Jos Buttler also returned to form and scored a brilliant 95 off 59 balls after a string of low scores against his name.

Meanwhile, with just three matches remaining in the league stage for Rajasthan, they cannot afford to lose any game going forward. They will next lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday, May 11 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.