Enduring contrasting campaigns, Royal Challengers Bangalore, bullish after winning all their three matches so far, face a struggling Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede on Thursday.
For the Virat Kohli-led RCB, this should go down as their best start across all editions of the IPL. It’s not only about winning the first three matches, but what stood out in those games is the confidence and zeal with which RCB went about. And that does keep the side well placed to win their fourth game on the trot.
For the Royals, it seems to have got a tad awry mainly because of their faulty batting that has been the primary reason for their two defeats in three games so far. Their task against this buoyant RCB side won’t be easy at all, but one way could be by batting first and trying to post a total that RCB find daunting to chase down.
Agreed, batting second is the preferred choice for most teams, but at times you do need to be flexible and try out something different.
For RCB, AB de Villiers and new recruit Glenn Maxwell have been the standout players with the bat. The former South Africa captain, as he has been doing season after season for RCB, continues to deliver this time around as well, while Maxwell is proving to be a valuable addition to the middle order. Having a torrid time in Punjab colours last season, Maxwell seems to be in good headspace this year and some credit for that does need to go to the RCB coaching staff led by Mike Hesson and Simon Katich.
Although Kolkata Knight Riders captain Eoin Morgan made a tactical error last Sunday which benefited both Maxwell and RCB, the Australian still should be lauded for pulling his team through from a tough situation.
Skipper Kohli, though off to decent starts in a couple of games, would also like to get a big one having lots of impact. Young Devdutt Padikkal, who was RCB’s find last season, has looked a little bit rusty and would certainly wish to perform to his full potential.
Importantly, RCB’s bowling has been one standout feature of their game so far this season. And the ones to have made vital contributions are quicks Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel, both having enviable economy rates of less than six, which is impressive to say the least.
Even all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed has done well with his left-arm spin, which helped RCB defend a modest total against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Livingstone pulls out
The Royals’ England recruit Liam Livingstone has pulled out of the IPL due to bio-bubble fatigue. Livingstone flew back home late on Monday due to bubble fatigue “accumulated over the past year”.
The franchise confirmed the development and said that it respects Livingstone’s decision. “Liam Livingstone has flown back home late last night, due to bubble fatigue accumulated over the past year.
“We understand and respect his decision, and will continue supporting him in any way we can,” the Royals tweeted on Tuesday.
