Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin reckons Royal Challengers Bengaluru should have tried to go harder in the run chase of 256 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Friday.
While the defending champions ensured they finished among the top two teams in the points table, they suffered a 55-run loss. Ashwin said RCB could have tried a bit harder on a road-type Hyderabad wicket as they had the services of Krunal Pandya in the dugout.
Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “RCB did what was needed to be in the top two, and that is the right strategy. But I would have seriously thought about shutting shop. The Hyderabad wicket doesn’t have many demons. So, I just felt they could have taken a shot for one or two wickets more because they have that insurance of Krunal Pandya.”
On the other hand, Ashwin praised SRH’s rookie fast bowler Sakib Hussain after the pacer got the better of Virat Kohli. Hussain returned with impressive figures of 1-31 in his four overs.
He added, “Sakib Hussain’s addition has given SRH a lot of strength this time. Sakib Hussain getting Virat Kohli out was well-deserved. I am happy for a bowler and a person like Sakib Hussain. There are a lot of rotations in his slower ball, and it is very deceptive. Virat Kohli’s wicket will probably be a big gift for him because, since childhood, he would have dreamt of playing with Virat Kohli or bowling to him.”
Meanwhile, Ashwin questioned SRH’s strategy of using Travis Head as an Impact sub. The former Indian all-rounder reckons the franchise could use Head as a spinner.
“If you keep Travis Head in the impact sub, he could probably lose a bit of rhythm. That is one thing I haven’t enjoyed. If Travis Head is carrying an injury, then it is understandable. But he has played two or three knocks where he looked completely out of sorts. Against Chennai, his head fell back and chased an away ball.
“Those things happen if a player is not in flow. It’s the business end of the tournament now. Please, don’t keep Travis Head in the impact sub. Keep him in the game; he can give more there.”
SRH will play the Eliminator, whereas RCB will take on GT in the first qualifier.
