What is eating RCB?

5 games lost in 6 and fighting for the last spot in the table, RCB have more or less become the first team to be eliminated from the 2024 IPL. They still have an outside chance of qualifying for the playoff but it is only that. An outside chance. Far too many things will have to go wrong for the other teams and go right for RCB for them to qualify. Based on the display so far, it is safe to assume that that is not possible and that RCB has been relegated safely. However, just what is eating RCB? Prior to the start of the tournament, RCB was not among the favourites but with explosive batsmen, no one expected them to be so abject. In most of the games, they were clearly outplayed and annihilated. Something is seriously wrong with RCB.

After 16 years, they still have not understood how this format of the game is being played. The lack of explosive batting at the top is exaggerated by the lack of explosive option in the middle. As a result, they always end up posting 20-30 runs less than par or fail to chase a substantial score. If Virat Kohli bats the entire 20 overs, RCB invariably posts 15-20 runs less than the optimum score. If he gets out early, RCB is in danger of not batting the entire 20 overs. It really is a catch-22 situation.

The Australian imports

There were a lot of expectations on Cameroon Green. Atleast, I thought that he would provide the rousing batting in the middle that RCB have been lacking. Alas, it was not to be. He is like a fish out of the water. It looks like he is in the woods if he does not turn up in the Australian colours. So much for RCB spending a fortune on getting him transferred from Mumbai Indians.

As for Glenn Maxwell, in 16 years of playing in the IPL, assuming that he would have played in more than 175 games, has he had any real impact in 10% of the games? I just couldn’t remember that many games where Maxwell had a real and significant impact. Far too many times, he failed to deceive. His failure has been so bad that his previous franchises did not seem it fit to retain him. Just look at his record in IPL. It is so pathetic.

Maxwell tricked Kohli

It is safe to say that Virat Kohli, fell into the trap of Maxwell. A couple of years ago, when it became apparent that Maxwell would not be picked by any franchise, he cleverly said in the media that he would love to play for RCB and under Virat Kohli. Kohli was deceived by such talks and probably convinced the team management to pick Maxwell who has not repaid the faith Kohli placed upon him. Maxwell cannot claim that he does not get that many overs to construct a proper innings. He does get a lot of overs, especially this season, to not only build but to post significant scores. 5 single digit scores in 6 games including 3 0s. That is ridiculous. It is time he is shown the door.

Andy Flower, who is known to be a no-nonsense coach, will he have the guts to drop Maxwell for the remainder of the season?

The less said about the bowling, the better it is

Before the tournament began, everyone criticised RCB’s lack of investment upon bowlers. Now it is clear for everyone to see. All of them are incapable of preventing the opposition batsmen. They spray the ball everywhere. Alzarri Joseph, who bowls with extreme pace, is more or less sleeping while bowling. With his pace, he could rattle the opposition but he does not think. Siraj is at his benevolent self whereas lack of quality spinner is telling. How could they afford to release Chahal who was more than an adequate spinner. He was expensive but could chip in with vital wickets. Something none of the current bowlers are capable of. Why didn’t they hire the services of Hazlewood or Hazaranga? What is the thinking behind the purchase of players by RCB? Do they apply their brains during the auction?

The eternal bridesmaid

RCB is among the 3 teams that have never won the IPL in 16 years of its history. The others are Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings who have changed their names but the management has remained the same. Yet, they are not talked about not winning a single competition the same way as RCB. This is probably because of the fact that RCB is served by one of the greatest T20 cricketers in Virat Kohli and for a considerable period, the destructive Chris Gayle was also part of RCB. It is only of late, Gayle hasn’t found favour with the RCB management because of his advancing age and meagre returns with the bat. Will this year be the catalyst or will RCB be the eternal bridesmaid?

Two seasons ago, RCB made the blunder of splurging a hefty amount on Jamieson who did not even play half the games. This year, they have done the same with Cameroon Green.

Wrapping up what is eating RCB?

RCB will have to start planning for the next mega auction. This year’s tournament is already gone and with the same players expected to be part of the next edition too, they can win neither. Before the next auction, they must release every player, including Kohli and start from scratch.

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