Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar acknowledged that Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 255-run total looked daunting from the outset and ultimately proved decisive. He said SRH’s bowlers carried out their plans sharply, with slower bouncers and yorkers turning the contest at key moments, while RCB’s bowling unit struggled to rein in an aggressive batting display. In the end, RCB fell short by 55 runs as SRH, paced by fluent half-centuries, built a score that proved too high to chase on the day.
Why 255 proved decisive
Looking back at the heavy margin of defeat, Patidar underlined that the top of SRH’s batting order set the tone in the first innings. He also pointed to how the match conditions influenced shot-making, noting that the slower bouncer in particular appeared to grip, making timing and execution harder for batters.
- Patidar felt SRH’s top five batters played exceptionally well and dominated during the first innings.
- He said the slower bouncer was holding a bit, increasing difficulty for the batters.
- He credited SRH’s ability to apply pressure through a combination of slower bouncers and yorkers at crucial stages.
- RCB ended up 55 runs short, with SRH’s batting pressure proving too strong to overcome.
SRH’s batting firepower
SRH’s run-getting was driven by three key contributions that anchored their chase-proof total. Ishan Kishan led the charge with 79, while Abhishek Sharma added 56 and Heinrich Klaasen struck 51. Together, their half-centuries allowed SRH to post a commanding score that RCB could not reel in despite their efforts.
- Ishan Kishan scored 79 for SRH.
- Abhishek Sharma made 56.
- Heinrich Klaasen contributed 51.
- These fluent half-centuries powered SRH to 255 and left RCB with an uphill task.
RCB’s mindset and the league-stage picture
Patidar also discussed RCB’s broader objectives heading into the playoffs, saying their main priority throughout the league phase was to finish at the top. He noted that this goal was achieved even with the defeat, thanks to the points-table situation and net run rate. All three teams—RCB, SRH, and Gujarat Titans—finished the league stage on 18 points, but net run rate determined the final ranking.
- RCB, SRH, and Gujarat Titans all finished the league stage with 18 points each.
- Net run rate became the deciding factor for the final positions.
- RCB finished above SRH and Gujarat Titans due to superior net run rate.
- RCB and Gujarat Titans secured the top two spots, giving them an advantage heading into the playoffs.
- SRH finished third despite being level on points with the leaders.
Patidar stressed that the target was particularly difficult given the match day dynamics, reiterating that 255 was a major score to chase. He also highlighted that RCB’s priority remained finishing at the top, which they managed to do.
- He said RCB’s “top priority” was to finish at the top of the table.
- He also noted that chasing 255 was a huge challenge on the day.
What Patidar said about SRH’s bowling plans
In his final assessment, Patidar explained how SRH’s bowling attack made the difference. He praised their five-man unit for executing plans with variations that kept batters under pressure, particularly through slower bouncers and yorkers. He suggested that using slower deliveries into the wicket created a tough environment for scoring, especially on a surface that still offered opportunities for shots.
- Patidar credited SRH’s five bowlers for executing their strategies effectively.
- He singled out slower bouncers and yorkers as key weapons.
- He said bowling slower bouncers and driving slower deliveries into the wicket made it really difficult for batters to score.
- He acknowledged that while the pitch offered value for shots, the variations disrupted batters’ rhythm.
Patidar’s comments summed up the theme of the match: SRH combined a strong batting foundation with disciplined bowling variations, while RCB’s chase never quite gained the momentum needed to overhaul a total of 255.
