India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expects Royal Challengers Bengaluru to consider a reshuffle for their upcoming match against Gujarat Titans, after the defending champions suffered a tense loss to Delhi Capitals in their previous outing. Bengaluru\u2019s campaign started with promise, but two defeats across six matches have brought the team\u2019s fine margins into sharper focus, with small tweaks now likely to matter more than before.<\/p>\n
Despite generally functioning as a cohesive unit\u2014often getting contributions from both their batting and bowling\u2014Bengaluru\u2019s bowling structure has drawn attention. Ashwin singled out the team\u2019s sixth bowling option as a particular worry, noting that Romario Shepherd had a difficult moment in the closing over against Delhi, when pressure swung against them.<\/p>\n
With that experience fresh, Ashwin suggested Bengaluru\u2019s management could reassess its plan for crunch overs. He indicated that Shepherd might not be part of the XI this time, with Jacob Duffy or a batter like Jacob Bethell viewed as potential alternatives to improve reliability when the match is on the line.<\/p>\n
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: \u201cI have a feeling that Romario Shepherd won\u2019t play. I have a feeling that they will go with Jacob Duffy, or a batter like Jacob Bethell. But RCB are looking quite strong\u2014 they have the batting, the bowling looks strong.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Bengaluru head into the clash, they sit third in the standings with eight points. However, that position is not comfortable: Sunrisers Hyderabad are level on points, while both Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans are close behind with six points. The competition is tight enough that each result can shift the balance quickly, leaving less room for slip-ups.<\/p>\n
For the defending champions, another poor performance\u2014particularly against Gujarat Titans\u2014could intensify the pressure considerably. Bengaluru are also preparing for a difficult run of matches away from home, with Raipur serving as their temporary base for the time being, adding an extra layer of challenge when it comes to maintaining consistency in unfamiliar conditions.<\/p>\n
Ashwin also focused on Gujarat\u2019s bowling leader Rashid Khan, stressing that the spinner\u2019s recent performances have not matched his usual level. He highlighted that the previous two matches were slightly below Rashid\u2019s standard and suggested that his showing in this game will be key.<\/p>\n
On the likely outcome, Ashwin said: \u201cI want to see how Rashid Khan bowls in this game, because the last two games have been slightly under Rashid\u2019s standard. But in this game, RCB look very strong. So, I will go with RCB to win.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expects Royal Challengers Bengaluru to consider a reshuffle for their upcoming match against Gujarat Titans, after the defending champions suffered a…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4932,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"RCB vs GT: Ashwin Predicts IPL XI Shake-Up After Losses","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"RCB vs GT: Ashwin believes a bold IPL XI reshuffle is coming after losses to Delhi Capitals, with small changes expected to swing the match.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4933","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n