Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has seven wins in 12 league matches and is at fourth position in the IPL 2022 points table. In their last league fixture, they won by 67 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and bolstered their chances for the qualification to the playoffs. Currently, they are up against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their 13th league match at the Brabourne Stadium. In the latest interaction, the former cricketers Wasim Jaffer and Deep Dasgupta opened up on the form of RCB this season.
Dasgupta reckoned that the RCB’s performances have shown that they are not dependent on a few players, and are playing as a combined unit. He thinks with the contribution coming from almost all the players, the team is in a strong position to seal the playoffs spot. The former wicketkeeper further thinks that RCB delivered their best performance of this season in their last fixture against SRH. “At the start of the tournament, we had an interaction, that this time RCB is not dependent on 2-3 players, but looks like a proper unit, and has delivered in the same way as well. Although big names like Virat Kohli and Harshal have been at their best, all others are contributing, which is the reason for their position in the points table. Basically, they are one win away from the playoffs. In their last game (against SRH), they delivered their best performance of this season. For example, Patidar has been contributing in almost every match, which has been their hallmark of the team, and everybody is contributing well,” said Dasgupta.
Jaffer reckoned that Rajat Patidar has been impressive at number three for RCB and has helped the team to recover from the troubles in the powerplay overs. He thinks Patidar’s knocks of 48 and 52 became more crucial for the team with Virat Kohli going through a rough patch. Then, the former batter hailed Shahbaz Ahmed for his all-around abilities and thinks RCB can certainly do well in the playoffs and reach the finals as well. “Patidar has been impressive in the domestic cricket, and bats at number three or four for MP, and is adapted to that position. Until last year, he could capitalize on the chances but has improved his performance this year. It feels very good to see uncapped players are playing well for RCB, and at a critical position, Patidar has returned with knocks of 48 and 52. His performance also is important due to Kohli’s form. Apart from him, Shahbaz Ahmed has played great cameos and is a very good addition as a left-arm spinner. The team is doing well as a combined unit, and I see them sealing a playoff spot and doing even better,” said Jaffer.
