IPL 2018: Dhawal Kulkarni wanted Archer to get the hat-trick

Jofra Archer has been one of the most lethal bowlers in the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is representing the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and has effortlessly been their standout performer with 13 wickets from 7 matches. The Barbados-born cricketer has clocked over the 140 kmph on a consistent basis with the leather and that has ruffled the feathers of the best in the business.

The Royals played their last match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and emerged victorious by seven wickets. Evin Lewis and Suryakumar Yadav carved a partnership of 87 runs off 64 balls, which threatened to take the game away from Ajinkya Rahane’s men. However, Jofra Archer changed the complexion of the match.

“It was really special”- Kulkarni on Archer

The fiery pacer nipped out Suryakumar Yadav with a vicious bouncer after which he pinned Rohit Sharma for a golden duck. He was on a hat-trick but was denied the same by Ishan Kishan who carefully drove the ball through the off-side with an open-face of the bat. Dhawal Kulkarni, who has been in and out of the team, praised Archer and mentioned that he wanted Archer to get the hat-trick.

“I think he’s been bowling consistently well. No doubt about that. But today (against MI) it was special. The wicket assisted him really well. The way he was getting that bounce, it was really special. I just wished that he got a hat-trick. It would have been better for us and for him”, Dhawal Kulkarni was quoted as saying in Sportstar.

“I feel it’s very difficult for a batsman to face a bowler who’s bowling at 145 (kmph), especially with the way he bowls, the high arm action that he has got, it suited him.  The Wankhede wicket has got a good bounce and good carry. So it helped him,” the 29-year old mentioned.

Here is Rajasthan Royals’ full squad

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