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In a bid to snap their losing streak, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made significant changes to their playing XI for their IPL 2024 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj were notable omissions from the lineup.
RCB captain Faf du Plessis, who won the toss and elected to field first, unveiled a revamped team. Young pacer Yash Dayal and New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson were brought in to replace Maxwell and Siraj.
Reason behind Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj’s absence
Du Plessis explained that Maxwell’s absence stemmed from a hand injury sustained during their defeat to Mumbai Indians earlier in the week. However, the skipper acknowledged that Maxwell’s underwhelming performance with the bat (32 runs in 6 innings) likely influenced the decision as well.
Siraj’s omission seemed more straightforward, as Faf made no mention of injuries. The pacer’s lack of form, with only 4 wickets in 6 matches at a high economy rate, presumably led to his dropping.
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Fitness struggles and lack of form
Maxwell, Australia’s World Cup winner from 2023, has endured a forgettable IPL season so far. He has managed a meager 32 runs in 6 outings, with a concerning 3 ducks to his name. While he has chipped in with 4 wickets with the ball, his overall impact has been minimal. Similarly, Siraj’s struggles have been equally concerning. He has picked up just 4 wickets in 6 matches, leaking runs at an economy rate of over 10.
“We are going to have a chase. It has been the same throughout the season. It’s been a bit slower. We haven’t played our best cricket. Feels like most of the times we haven’t played to our full potential. We have made changes to see if we can turn it around. Maxwell is sitting out, Siraj is sitting out. Ferguson is coming in,” said Du Plessis at the toss.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI:
Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis(c), Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Saurav Chauhan, Dinesh Karthik(w), Mahipal Lomror, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Reece Topley, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal
