With only one victory in their first three games, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have had a dismal start to their IPL 2024 campaign. Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who has recommended the squad alter their approach and put more emphasis on gaining wickets than limiting runs, has heavily criticised their bowling assault.
RCB invested heavily in a strong batting lineup, but their bowling is still a key weakness. The Caribbean pacer Alzarri Joseph has failed, taking just one wicket at an economy rate of 11.9, even though he was signed for an astounding INR 11.5 crore. With just two wickets taken and runs being lost at a rate of ten per over, Mohammed Siraj, who is spearheading the attack, has also failed to inspire confidence.
Former India bowler Harbhajan Singh attacked the Bengaluru-based team’s strategy, saying they were too dependent on foreign hitters and undervaluing their bowling staff.
“In the team they select, they consistently make errors. Their heavy investment in batting is too foreign. Bowling has traditionally been their problem, but they have formidable overseas hitters. It’s apparent and the situation right now as well, Harbhajan stated on Star Sports.
The bowlers’ perspective will need to shift. Harbhajan Singh
Even with targets like 180, RCB’s bowling assault makes them vulnerable, despite the former India spinner’s suggestion that a score of 180 should be defendable.
“To reach 180, which should be a winning total, you will still need to bat well, regardless of whether you bat first or second. You think you’ll be pursued for 180. How is one going to pursue them? It will be up to the other team to score them,” Harbhajan continued.
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The experienced spinner suggested that the bowlers for the Royals take a more aggressive approach, concentrating on taking wickets instead of just keeping runs in check.
“You can still get those people out if you bowl good enough balls.” A good ball is a good ball, regardless of who is batting against you, including André Russell. The bowlers will need to adopt a rather different perspective. Bowl a decent over to survive, but try to pick up wickets instead,” he said.
In their fourth game of the season, RCB will host the Lucknow Super Giants on April 2 at home. They are currently in ninth place in the standings and will be hoping to get two more points before playing their next two games away from home.
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