RCB Head Coach issues an official statement on how his team will play from now on IPL 2024
Updated - 16 Apr 2024, 05:14 PM
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Head Coach Andy Flower bolstered the team's spirits following their defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Andy Flower stressed that each upcoming match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season is crucial and akin to a semi-final.
The Faf du Plessis-led team suffered a 25-run defeat at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday, April 15. The bowlers from both sides struggled to contain the onslaught of runs. The match set a new T20 record with a total of 549 runs scored, marked by a barrage of sixes.
The Bengaluru-based franchise conceded 287 runs in 20 overs, marking the highest-ever total in IPL history and the second-highest in T20 history. Additionally, they set an unfortunate record, becoming the first IPL team with four bowlers conceding over 50 runs each in their four overs.
Really Tough Night In The Field - Andy Flower
Andy Flower addressed the disheartened players in the dressing room, advising them to come back stronger. Flower emphasized the team's need to regroup and approach every upcoming game with a semi-final mindset.
"It was a really tough night in the field, of course. They finished off so powerfully, it probably took the wind out of our sails. We will have a think. We will come back stronger. It's obviously knock-out time. Every game is a semi-final for us," Flower said in a video shared by RCB.
Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli provided a strong start to the team, accumulating 79 runs in the power play's first 6 overs. Kohli scored 42 runs off 20 balls before being dismissed by Mayank Markande. Du Plessis contributed a quickfire 62 off 28 balls, featuring 7 boundaries and four sixes.
RCB faltered after the powerplay, losing wickets in clusters and halting their momentum. Dinesh Karthik's valiant 83 off 35 balls offered a glimmer of hope, but lack of support from the other end resulted in RCB falling short, posting 262/7, the highest total in the T20 chase, yet insufficient for the win.
In the IPL, no team with 16 or fewer points has made it to the playoffs when the league had nine or more teams. RCB must win all seven of their upcoming matches to reach the crucial 16-point mark required for playoff qualification.
Dinesh Karthik Is Making A Push For The World Cup - Andy Flower
Andy Flower commended Dinesh Karthik's consistent batting performance and hinted at his potential inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Flower expressed pride in the team's fighting spirit despite the loss.
"I was really proud of the way you fought with the bat. We lost the game, but I was really proud of the way that you all fought. DK, you are making a push for the World Cup team as well. Well, done mate. You are only getting better," Flower added.
Karthik has been in sensational form, scoring two back-to-back whirlwind fifties. During his 23-ball 53 against MI, the RCB wicketkeeper engaged in banter with Rohit Sharma, who jokingly suggested that he was pushing for a spot in the T20 World Cup 024 squad, starting on June 1.
Also read: Glenn Maxwell issues an official statement on when he will return to RCB!!
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