Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer, believes the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s victory over the Mumbai Indians in their previous match was fortunate because MI lost wickets at vital times.
The 56-year-old believes that the RCB’s victory over MI will instill confidence in the team. He did, however, say that Kohli’s team has a few difficulties to work out before their match against the Rajasthan Royals today (September 29).
Manjrekar posted a video previewing today’s match between RCB and RR. He chastised Bangalore for failing to turn their strong start into a high total. Manjrekar believed they scored 20 runs less versus MI than they should have.
“RCB’s win in their last match against Mumbai Indians and that would do their confidence a world of good. But there are few issues that they need to look at because otherwise, they would be vulnerable against the good sides. They were lucky against Mumbai that Mumbai committed a hierarchy almost.” he said
With Kohli and Maxwell remaining at the crease, the RCB only scored 55 runs in their final seven overs after cruising for 110-2 from 13 overs. Manjrekar believes the RCB was fortunate to win the game despite scoring only 165 runs, owing to Mumbai’s poor middle-order approach.
Virat Kohli
Kohli’s batting has followed a similar trend for the past two games, taking on the faster bowlers during the powerplay but slowing down against the spinners during the middle overs.
In both of his previous outings against CSK and MI, the RCB captain has smashed half-centuries. His modest strike rate of 120-130 has, however, been a topic of discussion among cricket commentators.
”What’s happening with Bangalore is they are starting off well. But around 13th-14th overs when the spinners are on, RCB tends to slow down. I think more Virat Kohli is slowing down. I don’t know if he wants to get to his 50 and that has become really important to him.” he said
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