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In the upcoming sixth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, Faf du Plessis‘ Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will square off against Shikhar Dhawan‘s Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday. While RCB’s IPL 2024 journey is still in its infancy, their recent defeat against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has highlighted a significant weakness in their bowling lineup.
Spinners’ struggles and pacer’s uncontrollable aggression
During their loss to CSK, RCB’s bowlers struggled with their execution, particularly in their adherence to a short-pitched bowling strategy by the pacers and the inability of spinners to capitalize on a slowing pitch. The trio of RCB spinners – Mayank Dagar, Karn Sharma and Glenn Maxwell – failed to trouble the CSK batters, managing only middling figures.
While pacers Mohammed Siraj and Alzarri Joseph, along with Yash Dayal, showed aggression by utilizing their quota of bouncers but struggled with their line and length, resulting in a high run-giving rate of over 9 runs per over. While Cameron Green managed to pick up two wickets with his variations, his economy rate suffered due to loose deliveries.
Alzarri Joseph’s lacklustre performance
Particularly concerning was Joseph’s lackluster performance, conceding 38 runs in 3.4 overs against CSK. This might prompt RCB to consider alternatives such as Lockie Ferguson or Reece Topley in the playing XI for the upcoming match.
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Ex-MI cricket star recommends four overseas picks for RCB
In response to a fan’s query about potential changes in overseas players, former MI player and trophy winner Mitchell McClenaghan suggested RCB should prioritize strengthening their bowling lineup. Mitchell advocated for the inclusion of quality bowlers over loading the batting order with overseas players. He recommended considering players like Du Plessis, who showed promising form in the previous match, and opting for a combination of Topley and Ferguson to bolster the bowling attack. Mitchell emphasized the importance of adapting tactics and backing quality bowlers to enhance RCB’s chances of success in the tournament.
“I think loading the batting has never worked for them. So I think they need to bite the bullet, whether it’s Faf du Plessis, who is in great form and looked good in the match against Chennai. Maybe leaving Cameron Green to play instead of those other overseas pacers. Maybe Reece Topley and Lockie Ferguson as a combination, leaving Joseph out as well. Because you don’t always want to be having to score those extra 20 or 30 runs. You need to back some quality bowlers. And I think they just need a change in their tactic. I know it is just only the first game, but I feel like they have got the squad to be able to play two overseas bowlers together,” Mitchell said to ESPNcricinfo.
