Rajasthan batsman Robin Uthappa, on Wednesday, appeared to have breached the International Cricket Council's (ICC) pandemic protocol after he was spotted applying saliva on the ball during his side's 37-run defeat to Kolkata.

The incident happened in the third over of the innings soon after Uthappa dropped Sunil Narine while the West Indies all-rounder was batting on 0. Narine didn't hurt Rajasthan much, and despite dropping the catch, Uthappa came into limelight after he took the ball and applied saliva on it.

Robin Uthappa just used saliva on the cricket ball. Is it not banned by @ICC#RRvKKR#IPL2020 @bhogleharsha pic.twitter.com/EWilsl9Z01

�?बेरोज़गार (@ItsRaviMaurya) September 30, 2020

The ICC is yet to issue a statement on the incident, but it the second such event in the ongoing edition of the Indian T20 League. During Delhi's 15-run loss to Hyderabad on Tuesday, spinner Amit Mishra was caught on the camera as he applied saliva on his hands and waited for a brief moment to apply it on the ball.

ICC, in June, declared that the use of saliva to shine the ball is now prohibited in the wake of the global pandemic. 

“If a player does apply saliva to the ball, the umpires will manage the situation with some leniency during an initial period of adjustment for the players, but subsequent instances will result in the team receiving a warning,�?it had stated in its Standard Operating Procedure for the game.

“A team can be issued up to two warnings per innings but repeated use of saliva on the ball will result in a 5-run penalty to the batting side. Whenever saliva is applied to the ball, the umpires will be instructed to clean the ball before play recommenced,�?the ICC notification read.

On the batting front, it was another nightmarish outing for Uthappa, who was brought from KOL for Rs. 3 crore in the 2020 auction, as he only managed to score a brace from seven deliveries. He is, in fact, yet to score in double figures. Meanwhile, as far his antics are concerned, this is how neutrals are reacting:

Robin Uthappa just used saliva on the ball after dropping that catch!!!!! Surely there's got to be some kind of punishment?!

�?Goku. (@KingKosser) September 30, 2020

Robin Uthappa drops a sitter then applies saliva on the ball. Are the officials sleeping? #RRvsKKR #IPL2020 #RR

�?Samrat Chakraborty (@dahnumber7) September 30, 2020

Dropped a catch
2 (7)
Applied saliva on the Ball
Robin Uthappa

�?रा�?भक्त दिल्ली कैपिटल्स ✌️ (@MayankAnand014) September 30, 2020

Robin Uthappa was caught applying saliva to shine the ball tonight during #RRvsKKR.

While this under normal circumstances would be fine #ICC has banned this due to #coronavirus threat.

It is yet to be seen what action will be taken against the player!#IPL2020 #IPLupdates pic.twitter.com/tVeB5rtqnL

�?Aditya Singh Rawat (@Catslayer_999) September 30, 2020

Robin uthappa drops a sitter and
adds some saliva to the ball..little intent to take undue advantage... perhaps a routine to dust off disappointment #rrvskkr #IPL2020

�?Rasesh Mandani (@rkmrasesh) September 30, 2020

I don't know if officials are keeping a note of it. Robin Uthappa applied SALIVA to the ball right after dropping the catch. @IamNicck

�?Faisal (@FaisalS70965365) September 30, 2020

"Good night to all fans whose team has a 100% record in (Indian T20 League 2020)"

The above sign-off after their loss to Kolkata shows how Rajasthan have been on top of their social media game this season and until tonight, it seemed like they were on course for a brilliant campaign. But the switch from the flat belters in Sharjah to the dry surface and long boundaries in Dubai proved to be a massive challenge for Rajasthan as they succumbed to their first defeat in this season.

One defeat in three games and sitting near the top of the points table would ideally mean that Rajasthan do not really have to panic. But, is that actually the case? More than just the panic-driven shots in the run-chase, Rajasthan seem to have a dimension or two lesser on the kind of surfaces they will play most of their games on this season.

In a way, the reality check early in the season is good for the Royals. They have been tactically brilliant on the field, and a possible shuffle in their playing XI and usage of resources could serve them well.

The middle-order

That Rajasthan top-order is as fierce as they come. Steven Smith, Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson are the core of this batting line-up, but they do seem heavily reliant on them. If not for the Rahul Tewatia blitz, Rajasthan would have been found out in the previous game itself.

Their middle-order sorely needs strengthening up. Will they consider pushing Yashasvi Jaiswal into the top order and moving Smith to No. 4? While that seems more flexible and helps add experience in the middle, Smith isn't really the most attacking when it comes to T20 cricket.

The other option is to sit out Tom Curran - even considering that blistering half-century - for David Miller but the South African's T20 record of late is suspect too. Rajasthan will hope for Ben Stokes' return but if that doesn't happen, they need alternative plans.

Discarding Robin Uthappa could be on the cards. Shashank Singh, who bats middle-order and bowls tidy off-spin is a decent candidate to have alongside Riyan Parag, Jofra Archer and Rahul Tewatia.

The bowling attack

Jofra Archer is obviously the lynchpin of this bowling attack, but Rajasthan have struggled on every other front in their bowling this season. Jaydev Unadkat has been below par, conceding 88 in nine overs this year with just the one wicket. Ankit Rajpoot was reasonable tonight and should continue to play.

But aside from that, Tom Curran has conceded big too and it essentially seems like RR have a lot of one-dimensional bowlers. Akash Singh, who bowls left-arm pace is an exciting option. But the best on the bench might be Kartik Tyagi, highly touted in domestic circles. The Under-19 pacer had a great World Cup too and will be a handy addition given that he is known to bowl perfect yorkers.

Death bowling has been a concern for Rajasthan this season too and Tyagi might be able to help them on that front.

The spin attack

Shreyas Gopal is the fourth-best wicket-taker in the middle overs in the Indian T20 League since 2018 but has glaringly been listless with the ball this season, barely evoking any false shots from the batsmen. Complementing him is Tewatia whose batting is clearly appearing a stronger suit.

Somehow, the Rajasthan spin attack seems to lack a sting despite the overdose of wrist spinners in the line-up. Will they consider adding an extra spinner in Mayank Markande? However, it will make the attack too one-dimensional with a third leggie.

Shashank Singh, who bowls off-spin, is the only different spinner in the entire squad and should play. Mahipal Lomror is also a good bet given that he bats deep and can chip in with some slow left-arm spin. One of these two in the middle could serve Rajasthan better than what Uthappa is doing right now.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter.com / Indian T20 League

A stellar batting display followed by an incredible performance with the ball saw Kolkata register a 37-run victory over Rajasthan at the Dubai International Stadium.

Here are the key talking points from the contest:

Cummins comes good

Since his disastrous performance against Mumbai Indians on his debut for the team, Pat Cummins has been worth his weight in gold for KOL and is justifying his hefty price tag. The Australian gave away 13 runs in his three overs with the ball while picking the prized wicket of RR skipper Steve Smith. This comes on the back of a sensational performance against HYD where he finished with figures of 1-19 in his quota of four overs, picking the scalp of the in-form Jonny Bairstow. Cummins is coming in clutch for KOL.

Robin a spot in the team

Veteran Robin Uthappa's experience is certainly handy in the dressing room full of young Indian talent but his form with the bat certainly isn’t justifying his place in the playing XI. Through three matches, Uthappa has scored 16 runs, failing to reach double figures in each of his three outings. With RAJ packing pinch-hitters across the batting line-up, Uthappa's role is to anchor the ship but he’s struggling to deliver so far. With the talented Yashasvi Jaiswal on the bench, RAJ have a rather simple decision on their hands of letting Uthappa make way for the young opener and pushing Steve Smith down to his natural position in the middle order.

Nagarkoti's stellar night

For years, Kamlesh Nagarkoti has been touted to have a breakthrough season and become India's next pace sensation but frequent injuries have derailed his career so far and have propped questions of his durability as a fast bowler. However, against RR, the 20-year-old finally showed a glimpse of his unbelievable potential, picking up two wickets for just 13 runs in his two overs. He also took a brilliant catch to dismiss Jofra Archer and was a handful with the bat at the tail-end of KOL's innings, proving his all-round ability. A great outing for a potentially great player.

Tom terrific

One of the silver linings on a truly terrible evening for RR was all-rounder Tom Curran's performance with the bat. The 25-year-old hasn’t batted much owing to the terrific form of the top six prior to this contest, but in his first proper outing with the bat, the Englishman showcased what a quality batsman he can be for his side. Curran scored 54 off just 36 balls, smashing two fours and three sixes in what was his maiden half-century in the Indian T20 League. This innings will do Curran a world of good and will give RR another batting option in an already deep batting line-up.

Feature image courtesy: Twitter.com / Indian T20 League

Kolkata's Kamlesh Nagarkoti has been a revelation during their Indian T20 League match against Rajasthan. The 20-year-old had already impressed on the night, picking up the wickets of Robin Uthappa and Riyan Parag but then he took a catch from the lately-dangerous Jofra Archer that left everyone astonished.

After Archer sliced it up between long-off and long-on, Nagarati approached from long-on and leapt up to snare the ball and hold on. It was the second incredible feat of acrobatic dexterity that we've seen in this tournament, after Nicholas Pooran's gravity-defying save a few days ago.

We round up some of the best reactions:

Sorry is anyone else in love with what Nagarkoti & Mavi have been able to do for the @KKRiders

�?Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) September 30, 2020

Not a bad day for young Nagarkoti! 2 wickets, a crisp boundary at the end and a seriously good catch. Hopefully he will continue to repay the extraordinary faith that @KKRiders have had in him

�?Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 30, 2020

Oh What a grab!!⚡⚡
Nagarkoti apko koti koti pranam #Dream11IPL #KKRvRR @KKRiders

�?Reema Malhotra (@ReemaMalhotra8) September 30, 2020

So good to see both Nagarkoti and Mavi play together & perform so well.. Top bowling, throwing themselves around on the field. And well done @KKRiders for handling them with care. To show faith in two injured youngsters over two seasons is commendable enjoy the rewards #KKRvRR

�?Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) September 30, 2020

Phenomenal catch that is! Wow! #Nagarkoti is turning out to be a super package for @KKRiders! What a talent!#InsideOut #IPL2020 #KKRvsRR

�?MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) September 30, 2020

Kamlesh Nagarkoti could be in the Trent Boult category of fast bowlers who are elite fielders. What a catch. #KKRvRR

�?Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) September 30, 2020

Nagarkoti & Mavi... #U19worldcup2018NZ wonderful investment for these talented youngsters #starsinthemaking @IPL

�?Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) September 30, 2020

Wicket! WHAT A CATCH! This is a stunner from Nagarkoti.

Live - http://t.co/7Yqc9gOGTX #Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/l8hTETR9UF

�?IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) September 30, 2020

"He's got an athletic body and is a good player of basketball and tennis. His ball judgment is staggering as he doesn’t try to dive often but attempts to reach the ball by his running skill."- #Nagarkoti coach told me a few days back! How true! #KKRHaiTaiyaar #KKRvRR #IPLinUAE

�?Vimal Kumar/विमल कुमा�?(@Vimalwa) September 30, 2020

Kamlesh Nagarkoti could be in the Trent Boult category of fast bowlers who are elite fielders. What a catch. #KKRvRR

�?Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) September 30, 2020

NAGARKOTI!!!! WOW!!

�?Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) September 30, 2020

Nagarkoti... The future of Indian Cricket.... Man... What a terrific bowler ♥️♥️♥️♥️..... #RRvsKKR #KKR

�?Rohitt Jaiswal (@rohitjswl01) September 30, 2020

Unsual to see two fast men at long on and long off in #Mavi and #Nagarkoti. And they're so bloody good. So cool!!!

�?Aadarsh Balakrishna (@AadarshBKrishna) September 30, 2020

Feature image courtesy: Twitter.com / Indian T20 League

Free-flowing Rajasthan cross swords with an inconsistent Kolkata in the 12^th match of 2020 Indian T20 League season at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday, September 30.

The Steve Smith-led side have been at their brilliant best, especially with the bat, crossing the 200-run mark in both of their games so far. Kolkata, on the other hand, showed lack of intent in their opening game against Mumbai but bounced back to winning ways by pilling further misery on Hyderabad; notching a seven-wicket win with two overs intact.

Rajasthan taking on Kolkata has been a rather one-sided affair in recent times, with the former conquering the latter in four of their last five meetings. From an overall perspective, however, the teams are almost evenly poised, with Rajasthan winning eight of their 20 encounters and Kolkata 10.

Having said that, here is all you need to know about the fixture:

Steve Smith: A captain leading from the front

Rajasthan captain Steve Smith has arguably been one of the most successful captains in the Indian T20 League. The Australian has, in fact, carried a win-percentage of 67.74, which is best amongst the players who have captained 25 or more games. The fact that his team reached the final in the only season he captained the team for an entire campaign (Pune in 2017) is further testament to his tactical brilliance.

Player	Matches	Won	Lost	NR	Win %
Steve Smith	31	21	9	1	67.74%
Shreyas Iyer	26	16	10	0	61.54%
MS Dhoni	177	105	71	1	59.32
Rohit Sharma	107	63	44	0	58.88%
Sachin Tendulkar	51	30	21	0	58.82%

Table: Best win % as captain in Indian T20 League (Minimum: 25 Matches)

In his last five games as a Rajasthan captain, he has won four and one ended without a result. Smith has not only been brilliant as a captain but he has been equally glaring with the bat too, averaging 101.5 in the first 6 overs amongst the batsmen who have faced 60+ balls. A detailed look at his performance further explains that he has hardly struggled in any phase of the game.

Phase	Runs	Balls	Out	Average	Strike Rate	4s/6s	Boundary balls %
1-6 Overs	406	312	4	101.5	130.1	52/7	20.51%
7-16 Overs	1,245	1,045	33	37.7	119.1	92/24	11.10%
17-20 Overs	490	285	19	25.8	171.9	42/24	23.16%

Table: Steven Smith's batting in different phases of the Indian T20 League

Kuldeep Yadav needs to find his form

Kuldeep Yadav went for 39 (in four overs) and 15 (in two overs) in Kolkata’s opening two games. In both of those fixtures, the chinaman failed to grab a wicket, meaning that he has carried the slump in form that he suffered in the latter stages of 2019, into the new season. Since last year’s edition, the leggie has gone wicketless in eight out of the 12 matches. Fortunately for him, he has a decent record against his Wednesday’s opponent.

Versus	O	W	Best	Avg	S/R	E/R
Chennai	14	2	27-Jan	52.5	42	7.5
Delhi	20.2	5	Mar-32	35.8	24.4	8.8
Punjab	10	3	Feb-34	36	20	10.8
Mumbai	20	3	25-Jan	65.33	40	9.8
Rajasthan	16	6	20-Apr	15.67	16	5.88
Bangalore	15	3	20-Jan	47.67	30	9.53

Table: Kuldeep Yadav vs Indian T20 League teams

Against Rajasthan, Kuldeep has bowled at an economy of 5.88; his best return against any other IPL team.

Players to watch:

Rajasthan �?Sanju Samson

After losing Jos Buttler early in the game during their lengthy run-chase against Punjab, Rajasthan needed a big partnership to steady the ship. Out came Sanju Samson and altered the entire picture by scoring a 42-ball 85; an innings which had four boundaries and seven sixes. It was a similar picture altogether in Rajasthan’s opening game against Chennai, and you can surely expect more of the same from Kerala batsmen.

Kolkata �?Sunil Narine

All-rounder Sunil Narine is yet to make an impact in year’s tournament, having scored a mere nine runs and picked a solitary wicket in two games, but Kolkata have something to look forward to as the Windian enjoys playing against Rajasthan Royals, with Steve Smith and Sanju Samson being his favourite preys. Against the Rajasthan captain, he has conceded just 46 runs in six innings while dismissing him on two occasions. Against Samson, he has given away a mere 39 runs in an innings while getting him out three times.

Batsmen	Innings	Runs Scored	Balls Faced	Dismissed	S/R
Steve Smith	6	46	40	2	115.00
Sanju Samson	9	39	45	3	86.66

Table: Sunil Narine vs Smith and Samson

Stats to watch out for:

2: Pat Cummins is 2 wickets away from completing 100 wickets in T20s.

3: Eoin Morgan is 3 sixes away from completing 300 sixes in T20s. He will become the first Englishman to reach the milestone.

4: Andre Russell is 4 wickets away from completing 300 wickets in T20s.

16: Kuldeep has taken 6 wickets against Rajasthan at an average of 16.

67.5: Smith has scored 135 runs in his last 4 innings against Kolkata at an average of 67.5.

88: Morgan is 88 runs away from reaching 1000 runs in the Indian T20 League.

Writer’s pick:

Rajasthan have been in an impeccable form and have shown absolute grit be it while batting first or while chasing. In Sanju Samson and Steve Smith, the team has two of the most reliable batsmen of the Indian T20 League, while in Jofra Archer, they have a power-hitter and a death-overs specialist. Kolkata, on the other hand, have shown resilience, but that has come in bits and pieces. It seems like the team lacks chemistry, and thus we think Smith’s men will win their third game in a row.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Dibyangshu Sarkar