Despite Virat Kohli's stupendous knock with the bat, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were comprehensively beaten by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match on April 6 (Saturday). Kohli scored his eighth IPL century and remained unbeaten on 113 runs off 72 balls. Yet, RCB ended up on the losing side as Jos Buttler's century powered the Rajasthan-based franchise to a convincing six-wicket win.
After the game, RCB captain Faf du Plessis spoke about the exact moment that shifted the momentum towards Rajasthan. Faf du Plessis pin-pointed the sixth over bowler by left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar that put the pressure back on the RCB.
Dagar conceded 20 runs in the over as he was smashed for three fours and a six by Buttler. From 34/1 in 5 overs to 54/1 in 6 overs, Rajasthan Royals changed the momentum of the game in just the span of six balls.
"The pitch definitely got better, you could feel it, the ball was skidding along nicely. We were excellent in the first four overs. I think that 20 runs over (from Dagar) took the momentum away and shifted the pressure back on us," du Plessis told the broadcaster after the game, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Faf du Plessis reveals reason behind not bowling Maxwell
While Glenn Maxwell has been woefully out of form with the bat, the Australian all-rounder has made an impact with the ball this season for the RCB. Yet, RCB captain du Plessis decided against using Maxwell's off-spinners because of the unfavourable matchups.
"Not bowling Maxwell was because all right-handers were batting, so went to the left-handed spinner initially. With two right-handers at the crease, went to the left arm spinner and later got the leg spinner (Himanshu Sharma) into the attack. There was no point of being defensive, we needed wickets. When we got Jaiswal out, I didn't feel the need to go to Maxwell," said du Plessis.
RCB lost their fourth match of the season and are already entering desperation mode with just one win in five matches played this season.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
'I am the best in the world': Shashank Singh makes a resounding statement after leading PBKS to win over GT with unbeaten 61-run knock
IPL 2024: Shashank Singh opens up on Punjab Kings owners after being 'mistakenly bought' in auction and turning into franchise's match-winner
