Notwithstanding Virat Kohli’s glowing type, Royal Challenger Bengaluru batters are struggling for “form and confidence”, mentioned head coach Andy Flower following his group’s fourth loss in 5 video games this IPL season. Kohli (113) hit an excellent hundred on the high however RCB might solely handle a below-par 183 for 3, a goal which was overhauled by Rajasthan Royals, driving on a 58-ball 100 not out from Jos Buttler.

“We’re one from five and that’s not a position any side wants to be. Yes, we do have some issues with our batting. We got Virat in superb form but other guys are struggling for form and confidence,” Flower mentioned through the post-match press convention on Saturday.

“We’re trying everything we can to make them feel strong and confident. As you’ve seen in this competition, scores and aggression of teams are only going one way. So the guys need all the form and confidence to put the opposition under pressure. We haven’t found that form yet.”

Kohli smashed 12 fours and 4 sixes throughout his 72-ball unbeaten knock however other than skipper Faf Du Plessis (44 from 33 balls; 2×4, 2×6), he didn’t get any help from the opposite batters.

“We do discuss strike rates and aggression, it’s part of the understanding of the T20 game. The level of aggression has to be above a certain threshold and you have to always be putting the opposition under pressure,” Flower mentioned.

“Certainly taking the aggressive option, especially on pitches like today. It’s just a fact that at the moment that our top five aren’t in sparkling form except Virat. It’s a tough place to be.

“It’s not from lack of effort, they’re working arduous, they’re giving every part they have. Just not firing in the meanwhile. If we have to show this round, we’d like them firing.”

It was a matter of time: Bond on Buttler’s comeback

It was a sensational comeback from England’s white-ball skipper Buttler, who had ended IPL 2023 with three successive ducks and scored a highest of 13 in his last three innings.

“Obviously delighted for Jos Buttler. You know we’ve got been successful video games with out the opening partnerships however he and Yashasvi Jaiswal has been putting the ball very properly within the nets.

“So it’s about time if one of them starts firing. It’s good to see Jos Buttler at his best and the boys came up with the win,” said Bond.

Talking about the contrasting hundreds by Kohli and Buttler, Bond said: “You’ve received two of the most effective batters on this planet. I imply, I all the time get pleasure from watching Virat bat, his approach and the best way goes about his work…he is such a terrific technician and improbable participant.

“Then you’ve got obviously the, the power and skill of Jos who scores in different areas and plays. So you got two very different types of players but both fantastic to watch.” Bond was additionally lavish in his reward for skipper Sanju Samson, who cracked a 42-ball 69.

“Sanju has been doing an excellent job, captaining the team. His communication is excellent and the bowling choices he has been making are spot on.” Bond additionally mentioned that Navdeep Saini is near returning to the squad.

“Lucky thing for us we have good depth in our team. I think we’re getting another Navdeep Saini back shortly from NCA, which is exciting for us, it adds a bit more depth than to our bowling stocks. Sandeep Sharma (niggle) is also not far away.”

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