Royal Challengers Bangalore have kicked off their IPL season with 2 wins in 2 matches. This is only the 2nd time in 14 years RCB has managed to win their first two matches of the season.
Bowlers replace Kohli-ABD as match-winners
While Kohli was the second highest-scorer against SRH and ABD was the top run-getter against MI, they weren’t the match-winners for RCB. Their impact on the match was surpassed by Harshal Patel’s fifer against MI and Shahbaz Ahmed’s 3-wicket over against SRH.
Shahbaz Ahmed, picked 3 wickets in the 17th over against SRH while defending a low total of 149 runs. His figures of 3 for 7 in 2 overs turned the game on its head as SRH went from 115-2 to 115-5 losing their best batsmen.
Another impact bowler for RCB was Mohammad Siraj who returned figures of 2 for 25. The right-arm pacer bowled 10 dot balls in the powerplay and dismissed the SRH opener, Wriddhiman Saha. Harshal Patel continued his good form and bowled exceptionally in the death overs. These three bowlers together accounted for 7 of the 9 SRH wickets.
Glenn Maxwell takes responsibility at number 4
Another great news for RCB is Glenn Maxwell’s commitment to live up to the expectations. The batting all-rounder has played well at number 4 with scores of 59 and 39 in the last two games. RCB will take on KKR in their next match at Chepauk before going to Mumbai to play a couple of matches. One can expect Maxwell to go berserk when RCB plays RR at Wankhede.
A consistent Maxwell at number 4 will allow openers to put their foot down and play a more aggressive game in the upcoming matches in Mumbai. It will also be a test for the in-form bowlers to adjust their strategy on a batting-friendly track. As of now, Kohli is a proud captain whose trust in his less experienced bowlers has paid off.