Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif reckons Royal Challengers Bangalore need to work on their bowling in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League.
RCB had posted a par score of 205 runs against Punjab Kings but the Mohali-based franchise was able to chase it down with one over to spare.
RCB has bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel, who both had impressed in the previous season of the IPL. Furthermore, the Faf du Plessis-led team has the services of Wanindu Hasaranga, who is regarded as one of the best spinners in T20 cricket.
However, RCB bowlers had a tough day at the office against Punjab Kings. Mohammed Siraj, who has taken giant strides in the recent past, conceded 59 runs in his quota of four overs, including 14 wides. Moreover, Anuj Rawat had dropped Odean Smith’s catch when the right-hander was on one run. Smith played a match-winning cameo of 8-ball 25 to help his team get over the line.
On the other hand, Mohammad Kaif feels RCB doesn’t have a potent batting unit and they will rely mostly on Faf du Plessis, Dinesh Karthik, and Virat Kohli. All-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who recently got married, will join the franchise later.
Mohammad Kaif said on Sportskeeda, “RCB scored 205, but the fact Punjab chased 205 against them with one over remaining, shows that RCB needs to work on their bowling. Also, the fielding, the drop catch of Odean Smith cost them a lot.”
Kaif added: “Even batting for that matter of fact, they do not have anyone else than Faf, Virat, and DK in the batting order. There is no one else that makes you say that RCB are a strong outfit this year.”
Meanwhile, Harshal Patel had scalped 32 wickets in the previous season of the IPL and had bagged the Purple cap. But the medium-pacer conceded 36 runs in his quota of four overs against Punjab Kings. Kaif reckons the wet ball because of dew is affecting Patel’s bowling.
“Harshal Patel did not have a good start, he looked under pressure. This year he has the additional pressure of the price tag and to repeat his performance from last year. You have to perform every year to become a big player.”
“The last time RCB played plenty of matches in Chennai, the conditions over there suited him, the slower deliveries gripped the surface. The dew factor is affecting him, he is unable to grip the ball well, and this is a huge test for him.”
RCB will take on KKR in their second match on Wednesday.
