Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer said Lucknow Super Giants batter Himmat Singh had a great opportunity to become the hero after a 40-run loss against Rajasthan Royals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Wednesday.
Singh was used as an Impact Player but he was dismissed for a run-a-ball 15. The right-hander from Delhi tried to play a big shot against Ravi Bishnoi but was bowled as he could not make any connection.
LSG were subsequently bowled out for 119 runs in the run-chase of 160 as none of their batters, barring Mitchell Marsh, could show much resistance.
Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube Channel, “Himmat Singh had a great opportunity today to become the hero, but he let that chance slip. The required run rate was only around 10, so it wasn’t like the chase had become very difficult. For uncapped players, these are the kinds of opportunities that really matter, and today Himmat Singh had one.”
Jaffer said Himmat Singh has the experience under his belt and needed to grab his opportunity as uncapped players generally don’t get many opportunities.
“He has been playing first-class cricket for a long time, and I know he has been waiting for an IPL opportunity for quite a while. He has been in and around squads, sometimes in and out, but now that he has got his chance, he needs to make the most of it. Uncapped players unfortunately don’t get too many opportunities, maybe one or two at most. Also, the position he bats in is very crucial. If you come in there, play an impactful innings, and win the match for your team, you become a hero. Unfortunately, today he couldn’t capitalize on that opportunity.”
The former domestic giant said 160 was a chaseable score for LSG but the home team could not bring their best with the bat.
“I feel that 160 runs was a chaseable total and should have been chased down. But credit must go to the Rajasthan Royals bowlers. And Brijesh, looked quite impressive. Apart from that, Bishnoi seems to be in very good form this season. Jadeja also played a very good hand. They had just five bowling options, but I thought the captaincy was good as well. Plus, it was helped by some poor shots from the LSG batters.”
LSG will next take on KKR at Lucknow on Sunday.
