Reflecting on the match, RCB skipper Faf Du Plessis acknowledged the challenges posed by the tricky wicket in the first innings, which transformed into a batting paradise later due to dew.He also took note of RCB’s sloppy fielding.
“I think we found the wicket tricky in the first innings. I thought 190 was a good score, think we could have added 10-15 runs max. Their spinners bowled well (in the middle overs), good decision for them to bowl first. With the dew, batting got easier. We tried to squeeze as hard as we could, but it was tricky to hit against the spinners. It was easier to hit the seamers. The pitch got better, you could feel it, and the ball was skidding along nicely. We were excellent in the first four overs.,” Du Plessis stated during the post-match presentation.
Despite a formidable opening partnership between Du Plessis (44 off 33 balls) and Kohli (113* off 72 balls), RCB could only muster a total of 183/3 in their 20 overs.
“When we got Jaiswal out, I did not feel the need to go to Maxwell. Fielding was average, it’s something we have spoken about, and we will work and try to improve. Not worried about catches, it’s about showing intensity on the field,” added Du Plessis, reflecting on his team’s strategy.
In response, Rajasthan Royals faced an early hiccup with the dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck. However, Sanju Samson‘s resilient 69 and Buttler’s thunderous century (100* off 58 balls) propelled the Royals to victory, chasing down the target with five balls to spare.
Du Plessis highlighted Mayank Dagar’s costly over during RR’s chase as a pivotal moment in the game. “I think that 20 runs over (from Dagar) took the momentum away and shifted the pressure back on us. Not bowling Maxwell was because all right-handers were batting, so went to the left-handed spinner initially,” stated Du Plessis.
Explaining the decision to hold back Glenn Maxwell, Du Plessis emphasized the need for wickets and the match situation. “Not bowling Maxwell was because all right-handers were batting, so went to the left-handed spinner initially,” he added.
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Despite Reece Topley’s impressive bowling performance (2/27), RCB’s efforts fell short against Rajasthan Royals’ determined chase.
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With this victory, Rajasthan Royals maintained their unbeaten streak in the tournament, securing the top spot in the IPL table with eight points from four matches. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru find themselves languishing at the eighth spot with just two points from five games.
(Inputs from ANI)
