The West Indies attacking batter Rovman Powell, has been making a heavenly showing in the middle order playing significant knocks at a smashing strike rate for DC in IPL 2022.
Delhi Capitals assistant coach Shane Watson has lauded Powell for his performance and claimed the Jamaican hits the ball a long way even in the nets.
Speaking on ‘Cricket Live’ on Star Sports, Watson said:
“Rovman Powell is certainly a good player for the side. I haven’t really seen him bat a lot in the last couple of years. But what I’ve seen of him in the nets and during a couple of training sessions (that I’ve had with him), he hits the ball a long way. Even if he mishits, the ball still travels a long way. So that’s the beauty of seeing him come together in the last couple of games.”
Watson went on to say that Powell’s confidence grew manifolds after his match-winning 33* off 16 deliveries against Kolkata Knight Riders, and from then on this big-hitting Jamaican hasn’t looked back.
The former Aussie also claimed that Powell plays both spin and pace with dexterity.
Powell strikes at 115.97 against spin bowlers in T20 cricket but shifts gears when he faces the quick guns. Powell strikes at 155.43 against pace bowlers.
Watson added:
“It took him just one innings (against KKR) to find his rhythm. From then on, his mindset and technique from ball one has been absolutely outstanding. He’s a world-class batsman. He’s on top of his game against spin bowling, fast bowling, and very fast bowling. So, it’s beautiful to see him show the stuff on the IPL stage which is as good as it gets.”
Powell has amassed 205 runs in 10 innings, striking at 161.42, and hit 18 sixes so far in the tournament, the most for Delhi Capitals with David Warner behind him with 15 sixes.
Rovman Powell is a much-improved batter who has power: Ian Bishop
“[He is] a much-improved batter who has power, which is a critical thing, who is opening up different scoring areas in his game,” Bishop told ESPNCricinfo.
Powell wasn’t required to bat in the Capitals’ last match against Rajasthan Royals as Mitchell Marsh (89) and Warner (52*) stitched 144 runs for the third wicket.
“Previously I would say he was very on-sided, now he’s showing the ability to hit the ball through the off side. And that awareness that my colleagues have been speaking about – is sort of rounding off his education as he’s matured. I rate him highly. I think he’s versatile. He’s playing spin a lot better,” he added.
Delhi Capitals defeated Royals by eight wickets with 11 balls to spare and extended their run in the IPL 2022 playoffs race.