RCB vs KKR: There Is No One Else That Says RCB Are A Strong Outfit This Year - Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian player Mohammad Kaif pointed out the lack of depth in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batting line-up in IPL 2022. RCB lost their first match of IPL 2022 to Punjab Kings (PBKS) by five wickets despite posting a mammoth score of 205 in the first innings.

RCB vs KKR Dream11 Prediction

RCB’s new skipper Faf du Plessis opened the innings with youngster Anuj Rawat, who failed to capitalize on the opportunity and was cleaned up for 21 runs by Rahul Chahar.

RCB lost to PBKS by five wickets in their first match of IPL 2022

Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 41 off 29 balls at a strike rate of 141.37, the former RCB skipper just hit one four and a couple of sixes during his 118-run stand with du Plessis, who played a spectacular knock of 88 from 57 balls after struggling to time the ball in the early part of the innings.

RCB do not have anyone else than Faf, Virat, and DK in the batting order: Mohammad Kaif

Wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik smashed 32 runs off 14 balls in the final three overs to help RCB go past the 200-run mark in their innings. RCB failed to bank upon the opportunities on the field as Rawat dropped Odean Smith’s dolly in the 17th over off Harshal Patel’s bowling.

Apart from strengthening their batting, Kaif believes that RCB needs to work on their bowling and fielding.

“RCB scored 205, but the fact Punjab chased 205 against them with one over remaining, shows that RCB needs to work on their bowling. Also, the fielding, the drop catch of Odean Smith cost them a lot,” Kaif told Sportskeeda. 

“Even batting for that matter of fact, they do not have anyone else than Faf, Virat, and DK in the batting order. There is no one else that makes you say that RCB are a strong outfit this year,” he added.

RCB is playing without the services of Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and pace bowler Josh Hazlewood, the duo won’t be available to play in the IPL until April 6. The Australian contracted players cannot participate in other tournaments while the national team is in action.

RCB will take on KKR at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai on Wednesday (March 30).

Also Read: RCB vs KKR: Dinesh Karthik Says, “I’m Both Excited And Nervous To Play Against My Former Squad”