Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan commented on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s collapse in the recent game against Gujarat Titans (GT). Mitchell McClenaghan explained that Royal Challengers Bengaluru have adopted an aggressive batting approach to increase their net run rate (NRR).
The Faf du Plessis-led team defeated Gujarat Titans by 147 runs after winning the toss at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, May 4. Pacers Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal and Vijaykumar Vyshak took two wickets each. Cameron Green and Karn Sharma contributed a wicket each in the first innings.
In response, the home team got off to a brilliant start in the power play. Virat Kohli and captain Faf du Plessis added 92 runs in 5.5 overs. Du Plessis reached his half-century with just 18 births. However, he was dismissed for scoring 64 runs off 23 balls, including 10 boundaries and three sixes in the last over of the Powerplay.
Faf du Plessis’ dismissal triggered a massive collapse in the RCB batting line-up. Will Jacks (1), Rajat Patidar (2), Glenn Maxwell (4) and Cameron Green (1) were dismissed for single-digit scores. Virat Kohli was dismissed for scoring 42 runs off 27 balls, leaving the Bengaluru-based team in a challenging situation at 117/6.
Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, batting at number 7, scored an unbeaten 21 runs off 12 balls with the help of three boundaries. Swapnil Singh also played a valuable cameo with 15 runs from nine balls. Swapnil ended the match with a six off Rashid Khan’s bowling in the 14th over of the run chase.
They were trying to match their net run rate – Mitchell McClenaghan
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Mitchell McClenaghan attributed Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s collapse in the middle order to a strategy aimed at improving their net run rate. McClenaghan hinted that RCB intends to pursue the target as early as possible.
“You could see what they were trying to achieve but honestly they were trying to get their net run rate as good as possible. I think 12.5 overs. If they did it within that time frame, they didn’t.” “As far as their net run rate goes, they’re going to hit net zero.” McClenaghan told ESPNcricinfo.
They were just overly aggressive – Mitchell McClenaghan
Mitchell McClenaghan hinted that the net run rate will be crucial for RCB at the end of the league phase to secure a place in the playoffs. The former cricketer hailed RCB’s win as significant despite the post-powerplay challenges.
“I wouldn’t have said Josh bowled exceptionally well. They just went too aggressive and tried to make sure they improved their net run rate because it’s going to be so crucial for them in the end, and yet.” In the end, they had to put in a little effort to at least get the win to achieve. But it was truly a significant victory for them. McClenaghan added.
The Bengaluru team climbed to seventh place with eight points and an NRR of -0.049 after beating Gujarat Titans. The team has achieved four wins from eleven games in the current tournament. They will next face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 9, Thursday in Dharamshala.
Also Read: PBKS vs RCB: “Virat Kohli is still under pressure even now…” – Wasim Akram