Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) head coach Andy Flower remained positive despite their opening match loss against the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 22. Flower acknowledged the valiant efforts of Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik, who bolstered the score with their late-innings batting. He also commended Faf du Plessis for his aggressive start that provided a strong foundation for the innings.
However, Flower recognized areas for improvement. He admitted that the team was penalized for shortcomings in their execution, hinting at aspects where they can tighten up for future matches.
In the aftermath of their six-wicket defeat to the CSK, RCB took to social media to address the loss. The post acknowledged RCB's unfortunate streak at the Chepauk stadium, where they've now lost eight consecutive matches. Despite choosing to bat first, RCB's innings got off to a shaky start after losing three wickets quickly. However, a crucial 95-run partnership between Anuj Rawat and local hero Dinesh Karthik helped stabilise the innings and push the team's total to a respectable 173 runs.
Head coach on RCB's defeat in IPL 2024's opener
"Not the result we wanted, but there were a mixture of things in the game, some good, and some things where we got punished for being a little bit off. That start you gave us, Faf, was exactly the intent and aggression that we are after, from obviously the both of you. You are not going to hog the strike always. Then the recovery from Anuj and DK was sensational," Flower said in a video released by RCB.
"With the left-arm angle, he was really good, going across the right-hander, that got both Faf and Rajat into trouble. So, you have got to give him credit for that," he further added.
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Rajkumar Sharma, Anuj Rawat's coach and Virat Kohli's childhood mentor from Delhi, praised the young batsman's fighting spirit after his impressive knock of 48 runs off just 25 balls.
"I'm very happy with the way Anuj Rawat played, it was a responsible and mature innings from a youngster, and it was the need of the hour. That time the team was struggling, and he stood there, he took his time and played some beautiful shots and took RCB to a fighting position," Rajkumar Sharma said.
RCB takes on the Punjab Kings next at their home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, on March 25th. Faf Du Plessis-led RCB will next face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on March 25 at Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru.
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