'Rajasthan Royals should be worried, they have to figure out middle order' - Former cricketer Varun Aaron on RR's performance in IPL 2024

Rajasthan Royals lost only one out of their match nine matches in the ongoing IPL 2024 and were considered to be one of the favourites to finish in the top two of the points table. However, things changed rapidly as the Sanju Samson-led side lost four matches on the trot and is in a tough spot at the moment. As things stand, they need to beat Kolkata Knight Riders in their final league game to finish in the top two or else the 2008 champions will have to play the eliminator.

Analysing their current situation, former cricketer Varun Aaron noted that Rajasthan’s middle order has let them down. Previously, Shimron Hetmyer proved to be clinical at number five but since his injury, things have been tough for the franchise. Jos Buttler leaving the team for international duty too affected the team as Tom Kohler-Cadmore couldn’t live up to the potential in the last match against Punjab Kings.

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Aaron remarked that the franchise should be worried and stated that the middle order needs to perform better for them to get back into winning ways.

“I thought it is a blip and they would pick it up but now it is a worry. They should be worried, they have to figure out the middle order. In the pressure games, the middle order has to come to the fore and deliver. So they have to be worried especially of the middle order,” Varun Aaron said on ESPNcricinfo TimeOut.

Very surprised with how the Rajasthan Royals have taken off: Shane Watson

Former cricketer Shane Watson too expressed his shock to see the sudden decline of RR. He noted that initially, he couldn’t notice any of their weaknesses but things changed in the last few games. He highlighted that the team had lost its momentum and stated that no one was up for a fight against Punjab in Guwahati.

Also Read - Nathan Ellis reflects on PBKS’ win over Rajasthan Royals

“I have been very surprised with how the Rajasthan Royals have taken off. They were flying high with no weaknesses in their team. They were able to just mix and match when they really needed to,” Watson told JioCinema.

“They have certainly lost momentum and tonight, it seemed no one was up for the fight. Sanju Samson is the captain, he’s willing everyone to be up for the fight. Avesh Khan and Riyan Parag did a job, but outside of them, everyone looked flat. This is not the time to be flat,” he added.