Joffra Archer returned with figures of 3/23 in 4 overs. (Source: IPL)
Krishnappa Gowtham’s blitzkrieg with the willow against Mumbai Indians in Jaipur on Sunday was a reminder of how a T20 match can turn on its head, courtesy of an individual’s brilliance. Gowtham smashed a quickfire 33 in just 11 balls as Rajasthan Royals chased down a target of 168 set by Mumbai Indians. However, at one point Royals were coasting along at 124/3 and it seemed that they would reach the target with ease. But Jasprit Bumrah’s twin strike in one over triggered a mini-collapse before the uncapped – Gowtham delivered a masterclass to guide his team to victory. Prior to Gowtham’s brilliance with the bat, it was Jofra Archer’s sensational spell with the ball which restricted Mumbai Indians to 167. In a fiery spell of fast bowling, Archer scalped three wickets and was deservedly awarded as the Player of the match. He also clocked speeds above 145kph which sent Twitterati into a frenzy. Here are some of the best reactions-
Iam certainly impressed #JofraArcher…. easy going, talented Caribbean youngster, the game needs charactersππππΌ…he is going to be key for @rajasthanroyals #IPL2018
β subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) 22 April 2018
Absolute blinder from @gowthamyadav88 happy to be back on winning ways! Lot more to come #hallabol @rajasthanroyals #RRvsMI #IPL2018
β Rahul Tripathi (@ImRTripathi) 22 April 2018
Got to feel for MI. That was an absolute blinder from Gowtham. πππ#Ipl2018
β Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) 22 April 2018
First 14 overs, 129/1 , last 6 overs 38/6. Brilliant comeback by @rajasthanroyals to pull things back. Jofra Archer made his presence felt in style. Very good debut. #RRvMI
β Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) 22 April 2018
K Gautham….this one is for the keeps. Kitna Cool…pura paisa vasool πππ #RRvMI #IPL
β Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 22 April 2018
Meanwhile, reflecting on the loss, a disappointed Rohit Sharma said, “Not easy, especially towards the end. Have to give credit to them; they played well. Not easy to score 10 an over given how the wicket was playing. I think (not finishing well with the bat) hurt us. We didn’t capitalize on the start. Second or third time we have done that. I hope we can learn from the mistakes.”