Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) head coach Sanjay Bangar has lauded Virat Kohli’s composed knock of 70, which propelled the team to a total that proved slightly above-par, securing an 11-run victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Kohli, who notched up his fifth half-century of the season, played a measured and strategic innings.
He formed a solid 95-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, who also scored a half-century, to guide RCB to a competitive total of 205/5.
Bangar noted that Kohli’s approach to pacing his innings was crucial in setting up the total.
“This was typical Virat Kohli,” said Bangar on JioStar. “After a couple of low scores, he returned to his default style—playing risk-free cricket and constructing the innings patiently. Once he had set the game up, he opened up with attacking shots.”
Bangar emphasised how Kohli’s patience in the first 7-8 overs provided assurance not only to his batting partner but also to the dugout.
“The way he paced the innings helped RCB post a slightly above-par total,” he added.
RCB’s total was enough to see them through, with Josh Hazlewood leading the charge with figures of 4-33.
The Australian pacer, along with the spin department, stifled RR’s run-chase, helping RCB secure their first home win of IPL 2025.
Bangar also pointed out critical tactical errors made by the Rajasthan Royals, who failed to seize key moments in their run chase.
This marked their third straight loss in similar circumstances, and Bangar believes they have only themselves to blame for the defeat.
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“Things look really bad for Rajasthan at the moment, and they have only themselves to blame,” Bangar said. “They failed to seize key moments—both while batting and bowling.”
He specifically highlighted Rajasthan’s decision not to give Jofra Archer back-to-back overs around the 18th over, which allowed extra runs.
He also criticised the reckless shot selection from the RR batsmen, particularly Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag, who played unnecessarily risky shots despite being in a good position to chase the target.
“Jaiswal had taken 14 off Hazlewood but still went after him. Parag, despite a lucky start, kept swinging recklessly and threw away a winning position. These lapses have hurt them in the last three games. Losing crucial moments is what’s costing Rajasthan badly,” Bangar stated.
Looking ahead to the upcoming IPL clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday evening, Bangar predicted a CSK victory.
He attributed CSK’s potential success to their spin strength, backed by captain MS Dhoni, and their evolving focus on younger players.
“I believe CSK will win against SRH,” Bangar said. “CSK’s spin strength, combined with MSD’s leadership, will be key, and they’ll ensure there’s assistance for the spinners. The team is evolving, moving away from their earlier pattern and focusing more on youngsters. SRH, on the other hand, has been inconsistent.”
With RCB claiming victory and Rajasthan Royals continuing to struggle, the IPL 2025 season continues to showcase high drama and tactical intrigue.
Fans will now eagerly await CSK’s clash with SRH, where strategy and leadership will be crucial.
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