Rajat Patidar, captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was subtly frustrated after his team lost for the third time in a row at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium because they haven’t been able to adapt to Bengaluru circumstances this season.
The Chinnaswamy pitch, which was once a batter’s paradise, has been erratic and opposes aggressive hitting. The RCB’s top order has had trouble settling in after being made to bat first every time at home.
“Absolutely, you are right, the shot selection matters. Because this time the wickets are two-paced wickets and the bounce is varying, so I think the bowlers are getting a lot of help, the way their ball is dipping, the way they are getting the bounce, so I think the more we focus on hitting [behind] square of the wicket, the better it will be,” Patidar said, when asked about RCB’s approach at home.
In Bengaluru, RCB will play the Rajasthan Royals, who are coming off four straight defeats, including two losses in the final over, in an attempt to record their first home victory. Even worse, stand-in leader Riyan Parag, who hasn’t found his rhythm this season, will be under more pressure because regular captain Sanju Samson will continue to be absent due to an abdominal ailment.
The Royals have been clinical in the PowerPlay, though, despite their downturn. They have the best average and run rate in the first six overs. This season, the most PowerPlay wickets have been taken on the Chinnaswamy surface. Understanding the circumstances rather than battling them will be crucial for RCB. Both sides need this victory as the competition nears its conclusion and the margin of error narrows.
