Former India coach Aakash Chopra has identified Royal Challengers Bangalore’s bowling as a source of concern ahead of their must-win IPL 2023 match against Rajasthan Royals. RCB, led by Faf du Plessis, are coming off two defeats and will be hoping to avoid a hat-trick of losses if they are to stay afloat in the intense playoff race.
RCB has three games remaining and must win all three to secure a playoff berth, beginning on Sunday against the Royals. Following that, they will travel to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers Hyderabad before concluding their season in Bengaluru on May 21. A loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur could end Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) chances of winning the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“KGF (Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis) are fine. They are playing beautifully. They don’t have any issues but bowling has suddenly gone off the boil. If you have to win this match and progress in this tournament, it will not be down to the batting, it will be down once again to the bowling,” Chopra said while previewing the game on the “AakashVani” show on JioCinema.
The cricketer-turned-commentator believes RCB should field Karn Sharma and Wanindu Hasaranga together and rely on their seamers to step up.
“We have seen bowling as their problem for many years and it can be the case today as well. Play Karn Sharma and Wanindu Hasaranga, and then expect Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj to come to the party, and so with someone like Harshal Patel, who is not doing good currently.”
Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, and Harshal Patel bowled 9.3 overs and conceded 104 runs in RCB’s last game against Mumbai Indians. The trio will be hoping for a better showing in the crucial game against RR on Sunday.
