Kumble Highlights Key Partnership for RCB Ahead of Clash with RR

Kumble's Insights on RCB's Home Challenge

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 23: As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare for their home match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), former Indian spinner and captain Anil Kumble emphasized the necessity of a strong partnership from Virat Kohli to secure a competitive score on a pitch described as "spongy and sticky."

Currently positioned third in the points table with five victories and three defeats, RCB has shown a stark contrast in performance between home and away games. They have been formidable on the road, achieving five consecutive wins, yet have faced difficulties at their home ground in Bengaluru, suffering three straight losses. In these matches, the batting lineup has struggled to provide the bowlers with a defendable total. Their upcoming match against a struggling RR, who sit ninth with only two wins from eight matches, presents an opportunity to end their home losing streak.

During a media interaction amid the ongoing 'Revenge Week' of IPL 2025, Kumble, serving as a JioStar expert, remarked, "RCB's challenge when batting first at Chinnaswamy is determining a safe score. Generally, anything under 200 is considered risky, but this season, the pitch conditions have made it challenging for batsmen."

He continued, "This situation favors bowlers. In the three matches where RCB batted first at Chinnaswamy, they encountered difficulties. For RCB to succeed, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal must build longer innings, allowing players like Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar to play more freely. It's not solely about the pitch; it's about adopting the right batting strategy. If RCB bats first tomorrow and the pitch remains unchanged, I believe Virat will adapt and score effectively."

Kumble also commended the young spinners, including Digvesh Rathi (nine wickets at an average of 29.11), Suyash Sharma (four wickets at an average of 56.50 in seven matches), and Vignesh Puthur (six wickets in five matches at an average of 18.16), particularly praising Suyash for his improved consistency.

"I am genuinely impressed with the young spinners, especially Suyash Sharma, who has shown significant improvement in his consistency. Despite his bowling action, he has been exceptional for RCB, delivering at a pace that challenges batters. He is developing well, showcasing a top-spinner and leg break. It's encouraging to see his evolution and improvement compared to last year. Young talents like Suyash, along with Digvesh Singh Rathi and Vignesh Puthur, are making a mark. Even on tough pitches like Chinnaswamy, they are demonstrating maturity. Suyash has been particularly outstanding," he added.

Squads:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar(c), Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh

Rajasthan Royals Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kunal Singh Rathore, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, Ashok Sharma.