Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan questioned Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal’s batting approach in the Powerplay overs after they suffered a nine-run loss against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Thursday.
Chasing a DLS target of 213 runs in 19 overs, RCB lost two early wickets of their openers – Jacob Bethell and Virat Kohli and found themselves under the cosh at 9-2. However, Patidar and Padikkal, the two in-form batters, were able to steady the ship but RCB managed only 40 runs in 5.4 overs of Powerplay.
Khan reckons the batting duo could have taken more risks when the field restrictions were on as the visitors were chasing a big score.
Zaheer Khan said on Cricbuzz, “With the kind of form Padikkal and Patidar are in, they could have done better in the powerplay. Because once you have such a powerplay, you are always behind in the run chase. They tried to catch up but they were always behind by 10 or 15 runs. But everything has to go your way once you are so much behind.”
He added, “Wickets in the powerplay made the difference. It usually makes a difference of 10 to 15 runs. And the final margin of this match is a reminder of that. On the other hand, LSG lost no wickets with Mitchell Marsh playing brilliantly. That was the difference. That powerplay was a must for LSG to have the belief that they can win. You look at the final margin of nine runs and RCB’s powerplay with the bat, and that’s the game right there.”
The 2011 World Cup-winning bowler said LSG skipper Rishabh Pant made the right call in backing Digvesh Singh Rathi ahead of Shahbaz Ahmed for the final over when 20 runs were needed.
“Though Shahbaz was having a good day and Digvesh a bad day, the right call was made. If he gets it right, it’s not easy to hit Digvesh consistently. It’s not easy for him to go for a 20-run over. 20 was a good cushion for him to bowl. Romario is also a designated finisher, so he usually bats against the seamers,” said Zaheer (via the aforementioned source).
Lucknow Super Giants will next take on Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Sunday.
