IPL 2013 expert speak: Rajasthan Royals have to win away from home too, says Dean Jones
The former Australian cricketer takes Rajasthan Royals' example in particular and says the team is in ripe form but need to get comprehensive wins playing as visitors too, to clinch the IPL crown this season.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: May 13, 2013 12:31 PM IST
Maintaining a winning record at home is an achievement but teams competing in the Indian Premier League need comprehensive wins as visitors too if they want to claim the title. NDTV cricket expert Dean Jones feels that it is this that will separate the good from the champions.
Speaking after Sunday's match which saw Rajasthan Royals defeat Chennai Super Kings to clinch their eight-straight win at home, Jones said that the side needs to replicate their form away from Jaipur too.
"The key to Rajasthan at the moment is that they must play better away from home. This is what I have said about the Indian cricket team (too). Until you want to be the Number 1 cricket team in the world, you have to play well in people's backyards," says Jones adding that Chennai have won four away which makes them a slightly better side.
Rajasthan's four defeats so far this season have come while playing away matches - against Pune by 7 wickets, versus Bangalore by 7 wickets, Chennai by 5 wickets and Kolkata by 8 wickets. While the Royals (20 points from 14 matches) are currently second in the points table, the business end of the tournament will not be played in their home stadium - Sawai Man Singh.
While winning away from home is as important for every other team in any tournament or format of the game, in IPL 6 in particular, Jones says Rajasthan have the talent and firepower to deliver splendid performances.