Reasons for Rajasthan Royals’ collapse in CLT20 Final

Brad Hodge’s injury:

Rajasthan Royals were dealt a severe blow when Brad Hodge injured his knee after his collision with Shane Watson in the final over of the first semi-final match against Chennai Super Kings in Jaipur. Consequently, this experienced T20 player had to miss the crucial final against the IPL 2013 champions Mumbai Indians.

Hodge displayed his importance in the middle order of Rajasthan Royals’ batting line-up after his match winning knocks against the Highveldt Lions and Otago Volts in the group stage matches, Hodge could have served as the perfect finisher when Royals required 48 runs off 24 balls in the CLT20 final. Though Kushal Perera from Sri Lanka was called as his replacement, the left-hander’s short innings of 8 runs from 4 balls while opening wasn’t enough for the Royals.