ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Today Match Prediction & Live Odds – IPL 2024

Vann Hiso7 months ago7 months ago06 mins

Get to Know Who will win Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2024 Match and toss Prediction with Head to Head stats, Playing 11, CBTFJSK Tips, Live score & winning percentage. 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 : May 18, 2024𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 : 19:30 IST / 14:00 GMT𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐄 : M Chinnaswamy Stadium – Bengaluru, India𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 : IPL 2024 Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Betting Tips Virat Kohli has been top notch with over 660 runs for RCB so far in 13 games. Back him as top batter for RCB. Mohammed Siraj has shown great form in last few games and the conditions will be favourable for him. He is a top choice for RCB best bowler.Ruturaj Gaikwad has also scored nearly 600 runs in the tournament and will be CSK’s best bet for leading run scorer. With 16 wickets, Tushar Deshpande has done well for CSK. In overcast conditions, Deshpande can pose serious challenge thus he is our pick for top wicket-taker for CSK.Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad have scored hundreds in the tournament while several other players from both teams have got close. There is a good possibility that a century can be scored in the match. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings T20 Match Prediction & Betting Tips, IPL 2024 RCB will play CSK in the 68th match of the IPL 2024. The game will be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and will start at 7:30 PM IST on May 18th. RCB and CSK will face off in a virtual knockout for the final place in IPL playoffs. RCB are placed sixth on the points table, with 12 points, however, if they beat CSK, they will reach 14 points, on par with CSK. The fourth qualifier will then be decided by the net run rate. For RCB to topple CSK in run rate, they need to beat CSK by 18 or more runs or ensure they chase the target inside 18.1 overs. For CSK, the equation is pretty simple. The Gaikwad-led side just need a win to qualify for the playoffs. RCB have been in great form of late and they would certainly back themselves to get the better of CSK. However, the Yellow Army have been a stiff opposition to beat for RCB, who have lost 22 out of the 33 games against CSK. Another massive aspect to consider is the weather. As per the weather forecast, there is a prediction of heavy rain on the match day and if the match gets washed out, CSK will qualify for the playoffs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Match Toss PredictionChinnaswamy Stadium is not an easy ground to defend. Also, with rain around, captains will prefer to bowl. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings Pitch ReportThe wicket at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be good for batting, however, there is some rain around and the overcast conditions can help the fast bowlers get some swing and movement, making it a bit more challenging for the batters. Bengaluru Weather ReportThe weather is not very promising as there is over 80 per cent chance of rain on the match day. The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Bengaluru on May 18. Read on for team previews, betting tips, latest odds, and match prediction for Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings, Indian Premier League 2024

MS Dhoni bowls in nets ahead of CSK vs RCB clash | Cricket News

Danijones7 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: MS Dhoni’s presence on the cricket field never fails to captivate fans, regardless of the outcome of the match. The mere sight of Thala stepping out to bat, even if it’s for a single delivery, is enough to send the crowd into a frenzy of joy and excitement.Ahead of the highly anticipated and do-or-die clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a video surfaced on CSK’s social media handle, showcasing MS Dhoni bowling during the practice session.The footage captured the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman bowling during the team’s net session. Is he going to enthrall fans with his bowling skills against RCB on Saturday?“When he bowls, just ADORABOWL!,” CSK posted on their social media handle. CSK batting coach Michael Hussey is hoping that Dhoni would continue with the team for a couple of years more, saying the former skipper was still batting well.The 42-year-old Dhoni surprised everyone by stepping aside as captain of the team just a day before the start of the 2024 season. Ruturaj Gaikwad was handed the reins of the side.“We are hoping he does keep going. He is still batting so well. He does prepare well – he gets into the camp very early and hits a lot of balls. He has been in good touch all season really,” Hussey said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket show.“I guess we just got to try to manage him from the body side of things. He had a knee surgery after the last season. So, he has been managing that from the initial stage of the tournament.“I hope he keeps going for another couple of years. But we will just have to wait and see. He is the only one who will make that call. And, he likes to sort of build the drama a little bit as well. So, I wouldn’t expect a decision anytime soon.”Dhoni led CSK to record five IPL titles.

Sourav Ganguly removes his cap before shaking hands with Virat Kohli – WATCH | Cricket News

Danijones7 months ago02 mins

NEW DELHI: Rajat Patidar’s aggressive half-century and exceptional bowling display propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their fifth consecutive victory, significantly bolstering their playoff aspirations with a commanding 47-run triumph over Delhi Capitals on Sunday.RCB posted a challenging total of 187-9, with Cameron Green’s unbeaten 32 off 24 balls playing a crucial role in their innings. In reply, RCB bowlers dismantled Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup, restricting them to 140 runs in 19.1 overs at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.With this remarkable win, RCB have jumped to fifth place in the standings, igniting hope for a late charge towards playoff qualification. However, securing victory in their final league match and relying on other favorable outcomes will be crucial for their chances of breaking into the top four.Following the conclusion of the match, players and support staff from both teams exchanged handshakes as a customary sign of sportsmanship. When it was Sourav Ganguly‘s turn, the Director of Cricket for Delhi Capitals, to shake hands with Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain showed his respect by removing his cap, a gesture that resonated deeply with fans across social media platforms. Kohli is the leading run-getter in this season with 661 runs including one century and five half centuries.

History-maker Virat Kohli becomes first player to achieve massive milestone in IPL for RCB against DC – India TV

Danijones7 months ago03 mins

Image Source : AP Virat Kohli was playing his 250th game in the IPL, all for Royal Challengers Bengaluru Virat Kohli scripted history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday, May 2 as he became the fourth player in the tournament’s history to play 250 matches and the only one to play all of them for just one team as he took the field for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against the Delhi Capitals. Kohli became the fourth player after MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik to achieve the feat. Kohli has been in terrific form in the 2024 edition of the IPL scoring 661 runs striking at 155 and is currently the Orange Cap holder. Kohli is head and shoulders ahead of players to play most matches for a team as the player closest to him is MS Dhoni, who has played 233 games for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and might be playing his final season in the tournament. Most matches played in IPL for one team 250* – Virat Kohli (RCB) 233 – MS Dhoni (CSK)211 – Rohit Sharma (MI)189 – Kieron Pollard (MI)176 – Suresh Raina (CSK)174 – Sunil Narine (KKR) Most matches played in IPL 263* – MS Dhoni (CSK/RPS)256 – Rohit Sharma (MI/Deccan)255 – Dinesh Karthik (DC/GL/KKR/RCB/KXIP/MI)250* – Virat Kohli (RCB) Kohli started well against the Delhi bowlers hitting them to all parts before the visitors struck back. Mukesh Kumar accounted for Faf du Plessis’ wicket and Ishant Sharma got his good friend Kohli before the catch-dropping saga began. Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar feasted on DC’s poor fielding and stitched an 88-run partnership with as many as four catches getting dropped. However, it was a splendid comeback for the Capitals as RCB lost 7 wickets for 63 runs in the last 46 deliveries. RCB would feel that they left a few runs out there but they will have to win at any cost to stay alive in the playoffs race.

Pakistan targets right T20 combination against understrength New Zealand | Cricket

“I know I can hit it because…”: RCB opener Virat Kohli on playing slog-sweep against spinners in IPL

Danijones8 months ago09 mins

Bengaluru [India], : Ahead of the fixture against Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League 2024, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Virat Kohli revealed the reason behind playing the slog-sweep shot against the spinners in the ongoing 17th edition of the cash-rich league. “I know I can hit it because…”: RCB opener Virat Kohli on playing slog-sweep against spinners in IPL DC will be locking horns against RCB at Bengaluru on Sunday. Both teams are in contention for a playoff spot. The Capitals are in the fifth place in the points table with six wins and six losses and 12 points. On the other hand, the Bengaluru franchise are in the seventh spot with five wins, seven losses and 10 points. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! The Delhi franchise had registered a win over Rajasthan Royals in their previous game on May 7 while the Faf Du Plessis-led side had beaten Punjab Kings on Thursday. During the game, fans would be looking forward to going big one more time not only for his team’s sake but also to complete this milestone. The former India skipper asserted that the understanding of the game from so many years allows him to practise less and stay mentally switched on. “For me, it’s still quality over quantity. More so now, at this stage of my career, heading into 36. The understanding of my game over so many years allows me to practice less, and still stay mentally switched on. And some added challenges in terms of improving your own game. Certain aspects of the game, you want to get better at. It’s an ever-evolving process. I am not a guy who wants to sit around saying ‘this is the way I play’ and not improve on the things I need to,” said Kohli in a video posted by IPL on X. Kohli further explained about his slog-sweep shot against the spinners. “I brought out the slog-sweep to the spinners. It was me mentally putting myself in that situation. I did not practice that at all. I know I can hit it because I have played that shot a lot in the past. So I just felt like I needed to take a bit more risk and for me, that shot was something that I used to hit regularly back in the days. That shot is now allowing me to hit off the backfoot as well. I am always looking to expose that side of the field against the spin. It’s been a massive factor for me in the IPL,” the right-hand batter added. “It just takes a bit more conviction and put out that thought that props up ‘what if I get out?’. I have been managing to stay ahead of that thought. And that has allowed me to keep my strike rate up in the middle overs and scoring for my team as well,” the Delhi-born player concluded. The 36-year-old cricketer is just one century away from completing a century of centuries in professional cricket. In the ongoing season, Virat holds the Orange Cap for the most runs, with 634 runs in 12 matches at an average of 70.44 and a strike rate of 153.51. He has scored a century and five fifties and his best score is 113*. Virat has an illustrious record across all the formats of the game. While he would not be the be the first one or even among the first top-ten men to have 100 professional cricket centuries, it is still a fantastic feat in Virat’s legendary career. In 145 first-class games, Virat has scored 11,097 runs at an average of 50.21 and a strike rate of 55.96, with 36 centuries and 38 fifties. His best score is 254*. This also includes his tally from 113 Tests for India, in which he has scored 8,848 runs at an average of 49.15, with 29 centuries and 30 fifties. His best score is 254*.In 326 List-A games, Virat has scored 15,290 runs at an average of 57.48 and a strike rate of 93.61, with 54 centuries and 80 fifties. His best score is 183. This also includes the run-tally from his 292 ODIs, in which he scored 13,848 runs at an average of 58.67, with 50 centuries and 72 fifties. His best score is 183. In 388 T20 games, Virat has scored 12,628 runs at an average of 42.09 and a strike rate of 134.31, with nine centuries and 96 fifties. His best score is 122*. This also includes his numbers for India. In 117 T20s, he has scored 4,037 runs at an average of 51.75, with a century and 37 fifties. His best score is 122*. Virat has been fantastic against spin in this IPL, scoring at a strike rate of 138.82 against them. He has scored 261 runs in 188 balls against spin, dismissed thrice. He has smashed 15 fours and 13 sixes against spin. His average against spin is 87.00. He has made a marked improvement in his spin game, often utilising slog sweep and sweep against the moving ball. How Virat plays against spin will be once again in the spotlight, since the T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA this year will witness the veteran play at spin-friendly, slower surfaces. Virat has played 54 dot balls against spin, taken 89 singles and 54 doubles against spin. In the past five seasons, Virat’s overall SR against spin has been: 113.46, 108.08, 100.00, 108.91 and 130.14. His strike rate against spin was at its best in the 2016 season, where he struck at 152.30 and 2015 season, where he scored his runs at 151.21 against spin bowling. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Today Match Prediction & Live Odds – IPL 2024

Vann Hiso8 months ago8 months ago06 mins

Get to Know Who will win Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals, IPL 2024 Match and toss Prediction with Head to Head stats, Playing 11, CBTFJSK Tips, Live score Win Probability & winning percentage. 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 : May 12, 2024𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 : 19:30 IST / 14:00 GMT𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐄 : M Chinnaswamy Stadium – Bengaluru, India 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 : IPL 2024 Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Betting Tips Virat Kohli has been in sublime form and scored 632 runs for RCB, including 92 in previous game. Back him as top batter for RCB. Mohammed Siraj has found form and took five wickets in last two matches. He is a good choice for top bowler.Jake Frazer McGurk has been outstanding and scored four fifties in seven games. He looks in red hot form and is a good pick for top batter for DC. Kuldeep Yadav has been the biggest game changer with the ball for DC. Expect him to take over 1.5 wickets in the match.One thing is for sure that there will be a lot of sixes hit in the game given the brute firepower teams have. RCB have more strikers in the lineup so we are siding with the hosts as team who will score most maximums in the match. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals T20 Match Prediction & Betting Tips, IPL 2024 RCB will play DC in the 62nd match of the IPL 2024. The game will be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and will start at 7:30 PM IST on May 12th. A virtual knockout awaits RCB and Delhi Capitals at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB seem to have found form in recent few games, winning four out of four games. However, disastrous start to the tournament meant that reaching the playoffs is still a tough ask. RCB can’t afford to lose any of the remaining two games as a defeat will knock them out of the tournament. The team has momentum with them and the big wins in last four matches have improved their run rate as well. The chances are still grim though as the team needs other results to go their way. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals also have been in good form recently after an inconsistent start. They have won four out of the last six games. A win for Delhi Capitals is also a must to keep their playoff hopes alive. They won’t be knocked out of the tournament if they lose against RCB, but the probability of qualifying will take a massive dip. The explosive batting by RCB and DC have resulted in the team’s turnaround in IPL 2024 thus the coming game should deliver a blockbuster contest. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Match Toss PredictionIt’s a no brainer that captain winning the toss will chase here. It is a small ground and even a score of 220 is not a safe score to defend. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals Pitch ReportThe wicket at the Chinnaswamy Stadium has been nothing less than a graveyard for the bowlers. No swing, not much spin either, thus bowlers need to be impeccable with lines and deceive batters in the air to get wickets. A score of 220-230 is a bare minimum on this pitch. Bengaluru Weather ReportIt should be a clear day with temperature in mid 20s. The humidity will be 54 percent while wind speed will be 14km/h. Read on for team previews, betting tips, latest odds, and match prediction for Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals, Indian Premier League 2024

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Today Match Prediction & Live Odds – IPL 2024

Vann Hiso8 months ago8 months ago06 mins

Get to Know Who will win Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL 2024 Match and toss Prediction with Head to Head stats, Playing 11,CBTFJSK Tips, Live score & winning percentage. 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 : Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 : May 09, 2024𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 : 19:30 IST / 14:00 GMT𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐄 : Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium – Hyderabad, India 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 : IPL 2024 Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Betting Tips Prabhsimran Singh has been consistent and in good form across recent games. The opener is our tip for Punjab Kings’ highest run scorer against RCB. Harshal Patel has taken 17 wickets across this campaign and the pace bowler is a strong choice for Punjab Kings’ top wicket taker in this match.Virat Kohli hit 42 runs from 27 balls at the top of the order in the win over Gujarat Titans and the 35 year old is well worth backing as RCB’s highest run scorer against Punjab Kings. Mohammed Siraj took 2/29 in the last game and the right-arm quick is our pick for RCB’s top wicket taker in this fixture.With 48 fours across the tournament, we recommend backing Virat Kohli to hit the most fours in this game on Thursday. Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website. Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru T20 Match Prediction & Betting Tips, IPL 2024 Punjab Kings take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday evening in Match 58 of the 2024 Indian Premier League. Both sides have won four of their 11 games and are four points from the top four places with three to go. Read on as we preview this match. The fixture gets underway at 19:30 local time at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala on May 9th. After beating Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings were unable to make it three wins in a row when they lost the return fixture with CSK on Sunday. However, they have players in strong form with bat and ball and they will back themselves to beat RCB. RCB got another win on Saturday when they beat the struggling Gujarat Titans and there is plenty of belief across their side at the moment. That said, they almost threw away a strong position in that match and they will need to be careful not to give Punjab Kings a way back in during this game. PBKS vs RCB Match Toss PredictionOf the 12 IPL matches played at this venue, seven have been won by team batting first. In this clash at the HPCA Stadium, with CSK winning the last fixture here batting first, we predict both skippers will choose to bat if they win the toss. PBKS vs RCB Pitch ReportThe average score batting first at the HPCA Stadium is 179 and we saw CSK post 167/9 earlier this month. We expect the pitch to be quicker in this clash throughout the game with runs coming a little easier than in Match 53. A par score for the team batting first is likely to be over 185. Dharamsala Weather ReportThe forecast is for clear skies from start to finish on Thursday evening with the temperature in the mid-twenties. We do not expect the temperature to drop below 22 degrees and there is no danger of rain interrupting. Read on for team previews, betting tips, latest odds, and match prediction for Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Indian Premier League 2024

What Is Hybrid Pitch? The Innovation That Is All Set To Make Its IPL Debut

Danijones8 months ago03 mins

India’s first-ever ‘hybrid pitch’ was unveiled at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in a grand ceremony on Monday. The event was attended by IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal and cricket dignitaries including Paul Taylor, a former England cricketer and SIS’s international cricket director. “The introduction of hybrid pitches is set to revolutionize cricket in India, following their success in iconic venues like Lord’s and The Oval in England,” said Dhumal, who hails from Himachal Pradesh. The hybrid pitch, which combines natural turf with synthetic fibres, promises enhanced durability and consistent playability, reducing the strain on ground staff and maintaining quality playing conditions. With only 5% synthetic fibres, the pitch ensures that the natural characteristics essential for cricket are preserved. Taylor expressed gratitude towards the HPCA for their collaboration on this pioneering project. “With the ICC’s approval, we’re excited to see the positive impact these pitches will have on the sport, starting with installations in Mumbai and Ahmedabad next,” he said. The ‘Universal Machine’, a critical component in installing the hybrid surface, was developed by SISGrass in 2017 and has been instrumental in the rollout of similar pitches across England’s county cricket grounds. This innovation aligns with the ICC’s recent sanctioning of hybrid pitches for T20 and one-day international matches, with plans to expand their use in four-day county championships starting this year. The integration of technologies like SISAir, a root aeration system, further underscores the commitment to enhancing cricket infrastructure in India. This system improves the pitch’s health and resilience, benefiting players with better and safer playing conditions. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

Day After Virat Rant On Kohli’s Comments, Sunil Gavaskar’s Statement On MS Dhoni Resurfaces

Danijones8 months ago03 mins

File photo of Sunil Gavaskar.© X (Twitter) Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar didn’t mince his words while reacting to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon Virat Kohli’s rant at ‘pundits’ over criticsim of his strike-rate and struggles against spin. Kohli didn’t hold his emotions back as he took a swipe at critics after the match against Gujarat Titans (GT) last weekend. Reacting to Kohli’s rant, Gavaskar launched a scathing attack on the RCB icon, asking why those who continue to stay away from what’s said and written on social media are reacting to ‘outside noise’. However, Gavaskar didn’t stop there as he also slammed the broadcasters for showing that rant from Kohli ‘a dozen times’ on television. “That particular post-game interview has been shown on this channel earlier as well, right now, on this particular program it has probably been shown half a dozen times. I hope that Star Sports recognises that when that is being shown, asking where are the critics, the critics are the commentators. Your Star Sports commentators are the ones from whom the questions are being asked,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports. Amid his meltdown over Kohli’s rant, an old video of Gavaskar praising two-time World Cup winning captain MS Dhoni has resurfaced on social media. In the video, an emotional Gavaskar recalled the moment when he got his shirt signed by Dhoni during IPL 2023. Respect is earned, not given. Meanwhile Gavaskar with MS Dhonipic.twitter.com/dFHUE4HAeZ — (@rahulmsd_91) May 5, 2024 Gavaskar had said: “It was a very emotional moment for me (getting the shirt signed by MS Dhoni). MS Dhoni has done a lot for Indian cricket. If I have 2 minutes to live, I would like to witness Kapil Dev lift the 1983 World Cup trophy and MS Dhoni hit the World Cup winning six and the way he rolled over his bat after hitting the six.” For the unversed, Gavaskar got his shirt signed from Dhoni after CSK’s last home game of the season last year, assuming that the veteran might retire from the IPL after the tournament. Topics mentioned in this article

Mohammed Siraj’s form crucial for RCB: Griffith | Cricket News

Danijones8 months ago05 mins

BENGALURU: It wasn’t a typical M Chinnaswamy stadium strip on Saturday night — the wicket was two-paced, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s bowling too wasn’t akin to their display in the Indian Premier League thus far.Their bowling attack, pace in particular, was characterised by discipline, lengths were rarely off the mark and the lines spot on.Most importantly, their lead bowler, Mohammed Siraj, was back in the groove, tormenting the hapless Gujarat Titans batters in the powerplay.Siraj was dropped for the run-fest against Sunrisers Hyderabad last month and the 10-day break seems to have rejuvenated the 30-year-old. The World Cup-bound pacer has found his rhythm and although RCB are seventh on the points table with three games in hand, it isn’t out of place for them to fancy an outside chance of making the playoffs.In the last two wins — both coming against Gujarat — the bowling in powerplay has been the key for Faf du Plessis and his men. Admitting that the team has been able to address the problem area, Adam Griffith, the RCB bowling coach, said, “The start of the tournament wasn’t great for us, especially in the powerplay and that is something we focused a lot on recently to make sure we work really hard to get better starts. It was good to see the hard work pay off.”Siraj, at the start of the day, was a doubtful starter.“I wasn’t feeling well. When I woke up in the morning, I thought I wouldn’t be able to play and should rest. But I manifested what I wanted to do and that’s exactly what happened,” he said after the four-wicket win.The Bengaluru-based franchise headed to Goa for a break after their nine-wicket win over the Titans in Ahmedabad last week and the rest seemed to have worked well for the team.Outlining the shift in the bowling approach, Griffith revealed, “We’ve swung the ball all tournament upfront. What we’ve done in the last couple of games is we’ve bowled a better line. We talked a lot about bowling straighter and attacking the stumps as much as we can to challenge the batters’ defence and make them play aggressive shots. If they want to come hard at us, it’s a challenge for them to do. The boys put it exactly where we wanted them.”While RCB’s spin attack is undercooked and the pacers have been under the pump, Griffith said Siraj’s form was crucial for the team.“He’s the leader of our group. He’s our most experienced bowler and played a lot for India over the last few years and done really well. It’s not just him bowling well but it’s his aggression, it’s his body language and it’s his taking the batters on to try and get wickets. He’s such an important part of what we’re trying to do. So, having him up and going, swinging the ball again, bowling with good pace is important,” pointed out the 46-year-old.