I was particularly impressed with Jaydev Unadkat: Rajasthan Royals’ director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara

Rajasthan Royals’ director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara has opened up about what he thinks on the team’s performance in the first phase of the Indian Premier League. He believes it was a bit of a “mixed bag” for the franchise with some injuries and pull-outs. The Sri Lankan legend arrived in the UAE earlier this week and is looking forward to resuming the season with the Royals squad who are placed fifth in the IPL points table. Speaking from his hotel room, where he’s under quarantine with his family, Kumar said, “The first phase of the season had both positives and negatives for our team.”

“It was a bit of a mixed bag with some injuries and pull-outs, but those are very understandable situations where you must support the players. After that, we were left in a different place to where we had envisioned ourselves after a great auction earlier this year. But I was glad to see other players stepping up and filling in the roles that were required of them and playing to their own strengths to help the team.”

‘It was a good way to finish the phase’

Kumar Sangakkara, while summing up the first phase of the season, said he was happy to see the character shown by his side to deal with hindrances. “We started off with a great game against Kings, then we beat Delhi and finished the phase with probably our best all-round performance which came against SRH. It was a good way to finish the phase but was tough on the players because they had worked so hard to be in that position,” he added.

“However, the guys showed a lot of character, patience, and understanding in that environment where it was quite a tough period with what was happening in India and around the world due to COVID. I think it was a great test for everyone involved with the franchise, and I was very impressed with all the players and the management because they all had tough jobs, but their focus was immense,” said the 43-year-old, as per a release from Rajasthan Royals.

Having stayed in touch with players during the off-season, Kumar believes “it was good to see lots of feedback from the players.” “I expect them to always challenge the plans we set for them and question as to why they’re doing something, or if they have a better alternative. I think that’s the real way we can challenge each other as coaches and players to get better. And I’m genuinely very happy to note that our players are excelling at that. I really love the energy and the attitude of all the players at the Royals, especially the younger Indian guys, who are all very keen to learn and very confident in their abilities,” he added.

Kumar Sangakkara on Jaydev Unadkat

Sangakkara also spoke about what he expects from his team as they aim to make it to the playoffs. Kumar said, “What I want to see from them is their best efforts – competing as hard and for as long as possible to create opportunities to take games by the scruff of their neck and win them – that’s the real key. If one player can win us the odd game here and there, different players become those match-winners in different games, and that’s really what you’re looking for in terms of formulating a side winning.”

Talking about the squad for the remainder of the tournament, Kumar Sangakkara heaped praise on Jaydev Unadkat. He added, “Earlier this year, I was particularly impressed with JD (Jaydev Unadkat), because we all know that he has gone through some difficult phases in his career but I think he really stepped up during the first phase of IPL 2021. His bowling was outstanding, and that just goes to show that you can come back from a setback and start doing well if you put in the work. I know we have a really good squad again which gives us the chance of going with various combinations. I’m also really excited to see what our younger players can bring to the table.”