Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are having a decent season so far with five wins from eight games despite the low total of 68 in the previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). However, these wins have been a result of their middle-order firing towards the end, especially Dinesh Karthik. The biggest concern for them is their former skipper Virat Kohli's form as he hits a personal low with back-to-back golden ducks.
The veteran batter has managed to score just 119 runs from eight games at an average of 17. The 33-year-old’s average has not been lower since the inaugural edition of the T20 league where he scored 165 runs from 13 games. While many former cricketers have suggested that Kohli should take a break to counter the slump in form, former RCB skipper Daniel Vettori feels that all he needs is some space to rediscover his form.
“It will be up to the individual. It will be up to Kohli and his experience and his understanding of himself; how he will manage his way out of it. If you try to help, you just get in the way and you’ll probably say the wrong thing and alienate him. It’s easier just to say, 'Virat, we trust you completely, and we’ll see you at the backend of the tournament, winning games for us’," the Kiwi spinner said.
Vettori also believes that RCB will not be affected after the monumental batting collapse against SRH that entered IPL history books.
“I don’t think it happened, in their minds. These games seem to happen for every team once a tournament. Players do have a short memory and RCB has been playing some very good cricket. Their planning would go on to the next game rather than debriefing this one," the southpaw added.
RCB face in-form Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their next encounter at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on April 26. Royals also have five wins in their name but from seven games. They are placed third on the table whereas RCB occupy the fifth spot. However, there is a stark difference in their net run rate (NRR) after RCB’s massive loss to Kane Williamson’s SRH.
