The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are the perennial underachievers of The IPL. They have flattered to deceive each time they get a real opportunity. RCB finished on a middling 4th last season in UAE. They had started off the tournament strongly but faltered at the end. RCB lost 5 games in a row at the end to bow out during the eliminator. Here is Mistakes RCB Shouldn’t Commit In UAE.
The new season blues or the lack of it this time:
A new season in IPL 2021 brought in new hopes for the Bangalore franchise. The tournament started with matches across 4 Indian cities. RCB couldn’t have asked for a better start. They won their first 4 games. RCB looked like a real solid unit.
Their first big challenge came in the match (their 5th) against CSK. CSK handed them a stunning loss. RCB suddenly looked out of depth. They managed to win against a rampaging DC only to falter against PK in the next game. RCB are currently sitting pretty with 10 points in 7 games. They are tied with CSK on 5 wins but CSK have a better Net Run Rate than RCB. RCB will be eager to build on the early momentum in the UAE leg.
Mistakes RCB Shouldn’t Commit In UAE
#3 Not restricting AB de Villiers as a finisher
It is common knowledge in cricket that you should give your best batsmen the maximum number of overs. But lately, RCB have been shying away from this tactic. In order to safeguard their fragile middle and lower-middle order, they have been holding AB de Villiers back. ABD being the genius that he is has adapted beautifully in that role. But are RCB getting the maximum out of ABD? The answer is a definite no. They have been sending out players like Washington Sundar, Rajat Patidar, and Shahbaz Ahmed at number 3. ABD is surely a better prospect at that number.
#2 Getting the overseas combination right
RCB were one team that was severely affected owing to player pullouts and injuries. To their credit, they have brought in some strong players into the setup. The signings of Wanindu Hasaranga, Tim David, and Dushmantha Chameera has added a lot of meat to the RCB squad. But the problem they might face now is to field the 4 best foreigners among these 3 in addition to Maxwell, ABD, and Jamieson. If they leverage their resources wisely they might go a long way in the tournament.
#1 Letting youngsters shoulder more responsibilities
RCB for far too long have been a two-man team. Virat Kohli and ABD have shaped the team right since 2011. These two superstars have often covered for the failures of others. Hence talents emerging out of RCB have been few and far between. Players like Mohammad Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Devdutt Padikkal are surprising exceptions. It is time the young members of the franchise shoulder the burden too. If players like Hasaranga and Jamieson take their game to the next level, then RCB is sure of having a podium finish in UAE.
Also read: IND Vs ENG: Ishant Sharma Would Miss The 4th Test At The Oval
