Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar, after losing his third consecutive game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, had a subtle frustration as the side hasn’t been able to crack the Bengaluru conditions this season.
Once a paradise for batters, the Chinnaswamy pitch has been unpredictable, going against aggressive hitting. Forced to bat first every time at home, RCB’s top order has struggled to find their footing.
“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.
While RCB are looking for their first home win and will face Rajasthan Royals in Bengaluru, who are coming from four straight losses, two of which they lost in the final over. To make matters worse, regular captain Sanju Samson will remain sidelined with an abdominal injury, placing additional pressure on stand-in skipper Riyan Parag, who’s yet to find his rhythm this season.
However, despite their slump, the Royals have been clinical in the PowerPlay. They have the best average and run rate in the first six overs. The Chinnaswamy pitch has seen the most PowerPlay wickets this season. For RCB, the important factor will be to understand the conditions rather than fighting them. With the tournament reaching its business end and the margin for error decreasing, both teams need this win.