The team hasn’t been able to adapt to the Bengaluru circumstances this season, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar was subtly frustrated after losing his third straight game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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.
“Yes, you are correct; the choice of shot is important. When asked about RCB’s strategy at home, Rajat Patidar responded, “I think the bowlers are getting a lot of help because the wickets are two-paced this time and the bounce is varying. 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.”
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. In the first six overs, they have the highest run rate and average. 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.