Last Updated on 4 months by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: World class Indian core key for Royals: Rassie van der Dussen | Rassie van der Dussen says the local players key to Royals’ title bid

April 10’s thrilling match between Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants was an exhibition in T20 tactics. The best teams are able to adjust to different situations as quickly as possible, and it was on show in a contest that went down to the wire.

The result was another victory for the Royals – their third in IPL 2022 – and all have come when defending a total. No other team has achieved that feat twice as at April 10 this season. The key to that has been not only the excellent performances of overseas stars Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer and Trent Boult, but also important contributions from the Indian core.

Yuzvendra Chahal weaved his magic to rip through the Lucknow lineup, while R Ashwin ‘retired out’ and then conceded just 20 in his four overs in more signs of his desire to innovate in the format. Both have added a lot to the Royals this season, making them title contenders in the eyes of many fans and pundits.

Rassie van der Dussen, who debuted in the Lucknow match, spoke of the Royals’ strong Indian core in an exclusive interview with CricBlog. Talking about the key to unlocking the Royals’ potential in their quest to win their first title since 2008, the South African batsman pointed to the local players forming a strong squad.

“One thing that really stands out in our squad this year is the world class local players that we have,” he said. “Obviously you have Ashwin and Chahal with their spin in the middle, you we’ve got Krishna and Saini with the seam, and then we’ve got Jaiswal and Padikkal in the batting department. And then Riyan Parag in the middle there can clear the boundary at will.

“The Indian core already forms the basis of a very strong squad.”

Also, such is Chahal and Ashwin’s influence that van der Dussen was most looking to playing and training with the spin twins. Asked about whom he was most looking to joining at the Royals, the Protea said, “definitely the two spinners. When I faced them recently in South Africa, it was really challenging. I thought ‘at least I don’t have to go out and face them in the middle again’.

Overseas talent combined with Indian core makes Royals a strong team – van der Dussen

The Royals’ overseas players have also been terrific. While Chahal holds the Purple Cap, his teammate Jos Buttler holds the Orange with a century already to his name in IPL 2022. Shimron Hetmyer is striking at 178.72 in four matches, which includes a crucial knock against LSG. Trent Boult has been superb in the powerplay in particular, with his delivery to KL Rahul surely etched in the minds of millions.

van der Dussen is thrilled to be part of such a talented core, and he believes it will hold the Royals in great stead.

“Then you throw in guys like Buttler, Hetmyer, Boult, Neesham, myself [maybe, laughs], then you have a team almost consisting of 11 matchwinners,” he said. “Then you’re giving yourself a chance in every match for two or three guys to come off and having the potential in T20 match to win the game by themselves.”

As at April 10, the Royals sit top of the IPL 2022 table with three wins from four matches, including two from difficult positions against Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. Their next game is against fellow high-flyers Gujarat Titans on Thursday April 14.

You can watch the full interview with Rassie van der Dussen here or below.