Ambati Rayudu has blamed the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) inability to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title on poor bowling and big-ticket batsmen’ failure to perform in crucial moments.
The Lucknow Super Giants set RCB a target of 182 runs after being allowed to bat first in an IPL 2024 league encounter in Bengaluru on Tuesday, April 2. The tourists then bowled Faf du Plessis and his team out for 153 to secure a commanding 28-run victory and move into fourth place in the points standings.
During a Star Sports interview, Ambati Rayudu was asked about the causes that led to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s defeat.
“I feel their bowling always gives over-par runs and batting performs under par. No big-name batter is seen playing for RCB when they are under pressure. Such teams never win. This is why they have not won the IPL for so many years.”
Ambati Rayudu
According to the former India player, Dinesh Karthik and the relatively inexperienced Indian hitters were allowed to handle the arduous work during the run chase.
“All young players keep playing down the order and the big-name players go at the top and leave after eating the cake over the cream. If you see, who were the batters batting under pressure – your young Indian batters and Dinesh Karthik.”
Ambati Rayudu
RCB were reduced to 58/4 after 7.4 overs, with Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green all removed. Despite Mahipal Lomror’s 13-ball 33 and Rajat Patidar’s 29 runs off 21 deliveries, the Bengaluru-based franchise came up short in the end.
“This has been this team’s story for the last 16 years” – Ambati Rayudu on RCB
Ambati Rayudu remarked that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s established foreign players are underperforming under pressure.
“Your big-name international players, who need to take the pressure, where were they? All of them were in the dressing room. This is not happening today. This has been this team’s story for the last 16 years.”
Ambati Rayudu
A 40-run opening partnership blossomed between Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. Then, Kohli scored 22 off 16 balls. Du Plessis faced 13 deliveries, accumulating 19 runs. Sadly, du Plessis got run out attempting a risky single. Soon after, Mayank Yadav dismissed Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green cheaply with his pace bowling. This virtually ensured LSG’s victory.
