RCB's Rajat Patidar Reflects on Defeat Against Gujarat Titans
RCB's Performance Analysis After Loss
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 3: After facing a setback against the Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar emphasized the silver linings, noting that the team aimed for a score of 190 despite early setbacks. He highlighted the encouraging performance of the middle order, featuring Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, and Tim David.
Following impressive victories against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), RCB encountered a tough start to their home season at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, succumbing to GT by eight wickets.
In the post-match presentation, Patidar remarked, “We were aiming for around 190 after the powerplay, but losing three wickets early was detrimental. The intent was there, but losing that many wickets in the powerplay was excessive. The bowlers did a commendable job to stretch the chase into the 18th over. The batting from Jitesh, Liam, and Tim was a positive takeaway for us. We have confidence in our batting lineup, which is showing promising intent.”
In the match, RCB batted first after GT won the toss and chose to field. Former RCB player Mohammed Siraj (3/19) put RCB in a tough spot at 42/4. However, a partnership of 52 runs between Livingstone (54 off 40 balls, including one four and five sixes) and Jitesh Sharma (33 off 20 balls, with five fours and a six), along with a 46-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Livingstone and Tim David (32 off 18 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes), helped RCB reach 169/8 in their 20 overs.
Sai Kishore (2/22) and Prasidh Krishna (1/26) also delivered strong bowling performances.
During the chase, GT lost their captain Shubman Gill (14) early on, but stellar innings from Jos Buttler (73* off 39 balls, with five fours and six sixes), Sai Sudharsan (49 off 36 balls, with seven fours and a six), and Sherfane Rutherford (30* off 18 balls, with one four and three sixes) led GT to victory with 13 balls remaining and eight wickets in hand.
Siraj was awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his outstanding bowling performance.
Currently, RCB holds the third position in the points table with two wins and one loss, totaling four points, while GT is just below them with the same record and points.