Captain Virat Kohli admits that shifted AB de Villiers down the RCB order was a call that didn’t work out.
RCB slipped to a disappointing eight-wicket loss in Sharjah after only making 171 against Kings XI Punjab on Thursday.
The big talking point from the loss was that de Villiers was shuffled down the order despite smashing a 33-ball 73 at the same ground in the previous game with KKR.
Instead, skipper Kohli looked to exploit the fact KXIP had two leg-spinners in action. RCB sent in both Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube ahead of the South African star.
Basement boys KXIP eventually stumbled over the line in the last over to record a second win of IPL 2020.
However, despite Kohli admitting the plan didn’t come off for his side, he still felt his bowlers could have defended the total with a better showing.
Speaking after the loss, he said: “We had a chat, a message from outside about left-right combination and we wanted to go with it because they had two leggies.
“Sometimes things don’t come off. We’re pretty happy with the decisions we took, but it didn’t come off.
“Having 170 was a decent score. The idea was to let them [Dube and Sundar] to get their eye in. They bowled well. It’s not a great ground for bowlers but that’s not an excuse.
“We take pride in our bowling. Tonight it didn’t come off and we have to accept it and take responsibility. There’s always something to learn to go back and understand.”
RCB will look to bounce back when they take on Rajasthan Royals in Dubai on Saturday
KL Rahul Happy With Victory
Meanwhile, opposition captain KL Rahul was pleased to finally chalk up another success.
He top-scored with an unbeaten 61 alongside a typically powerful display from Chris Gayle. The West Indian finally made his first of the tournament and bludgeoned a fine 53.
KXIP were cruising at one stage but somehow still found themselves down to the last ball looking for one run for the win.
In the end, Nicholas Pooran completed the job by hitting the last ball for six.
“I don’t even have words,” said Rahul. “We knew that we had to scrap and get over the line once and that would give us the confidence.
“We’re a far better side than bottom of the table. Towards the end it got too close for comfort but happy that we made it.
“Our skills were very good, probably didn’t capitalise in the big moments starting with the first game at Delhi.
“It’s part of the IPL, it’s part of cricket. There are ups and downs and this has been the kind of rollercoaster that’s been crazy but on a positive note we needed this win.”
