Michael Clarke, Ravi Shastri slam RCB for dropping their best performer from playing XI against LSG

Facing criticism for team combination is nothing new for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Time and again, the Bengaluru-based outfit’s experimentation with the playing eleven has backfired and they could suffer a similar fate in the ongoing game against Lucknow Super Giants at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

After the loss against Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous game at the same venue, RCB made two changes to their playing in – dropping Alzarri Joseph and Vijaykumar Vyshak. While Joseph’s exclusion did not surprise many, RCB’s decision to leave out Vijaykumar Vyshak has raised a number of eyebrows.

The pacer was RCB’s best performer with the ball in their last game against Kolkata Knight Riders. In a game where all of RCB’s frontline bowlers were taken to the cleaners, Vijaykumar Vyshak was exceptional. Mohammed Siraj conceded 46 runs in 3 overs, Yash Dayal conceded 46 runs in 4 overs while Joseph gave away 34 runs in just two overs.

However, Vijaykumar Vyshak managed to maintain an economy rate of less than 6 as he conceded only 23 runs in his four overs. He also picked up the big wicket of Phil Salt. However, his performance was not enough for him to retain his spot in the playing eleven as he could only make it to the Impact Players list.

RCB criticized for dropping Vijaykumar Vyshak:

RCB’s baffling call invited criticism from not only the fans but experts as well. Former Australia captain Michael Clarke was stunned by the call and did not shy away from criticizing the team management as he said on-air: “Gobsmacked.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was also taken aback by the call, saying: “On a two-paced wicket, Vyshak is not there. He picked 1/23 in the last game and is now cooling his heels in the dugout today.”

Another former cricketer-turned-commentator Pommie Mbangwa said: “Sometimes you can overthink things, which is why you need dissenting voices, alternating voices in the dressing room.”

Talking about the game, LSG have posted a competitive total of 181/5 after RCB won the toss and opted to bat first. Quinton de Kock top-scored for LSG, scoring 81 while Nicholas Pooran also played a crucial knock of 40 not out. In reply, RCB were on 60 for 4 at the time of writing this report.