BENGALURU: The early stage of the IPL is largely about emerging talent and young Turks. But the midweek match here at the KM Chinnaswamy Stadium was different. This proved to be vintage Wednesday. Two veterans of the game from Royal Challengers Bengaluru came out to show the Lucknow Supergiants how things are done.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Two veteran campaigners led the charge. 36 years old Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3/27 on the other end, 35 yrs Josh Hazlewood (1/20) was tireless, working on a length of investigation that proved difficult to read. On a spongy surface, RCB’s fast bowlers – with Rasukh Dar (4/24) joining the party – used the short ball to trouble the opposition before dismissing LSG for a paltry 146.
Chasing an even target, RCB struggled but eventually sealed a five-wicket win in 15.1 overs, maintaining their unbeaten run at home this season.Phil Salt fell early, though Virat KohliComing in as an impact player for Suyash Sharma, found his rhythm quickly. Consecutive boundaries on Mohammed Shami showcased his trademark wrist and timing. Kohli scored 34 off his first 14 balls, keeping the chase firmly on track.However, disciplined bowling by Avish Khan, with wickets at the other end, slowed the pace. Denied a half-century, Kohli was caught out by Nicholas Pooran at long-on on 49 (34b; 6×4, 1×6). But others ensured that work was left in plenty.
RCB fast bowler Josh Hazlewood celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of LSG. (Image credit: IPL)
Earlier, LSG’s sluggish start to the IPL season showed little sign of improvement as their batting unit again fizzled out. Ahead of the clash, the franchise’s global cricket director, Tom Moody, had hoped the venue’s run-friendly reputation would act as a tonic. Instead, LSG’s struggles deepened.RCB’s tactic of using short pitched deliveries effectively unnerved the batsmen. Hazlewood brought control at the top, Bhuvneshwar was tough, and Rashikh played with clever variations that kept the batsmen guessing.LSG never recovered from the initial shock. Aiden Markram fell in the fourth over, a full toss mistimed by Rasikh to Devdutt Padikal at cover. From there it became a slow procession. Batsmen struggled to predict the speed of the wicket, often doing it too quickly. RCB tightened the screws with 15 dot balls in the powerplay, setting the tone for the collapse.Pooran’s lean run continued as he fell to Hazlewood, trying to pull a short ball back onto his stumps. Mitchell Marsh (40; 32b; 3×4, 2×6) and Ayush Baduni (38) resisted briefly, putting on a 36-run stand to stabilize the innings. But Krunal Pandya (2/38) broke through, tricking Marsh with a fast ball that hit the stumps before removing Abdul Samad in his next over.Mukul Chowdhury’s 39 added some late respectability, but the innings never gained any real momentum.
Injury scare for Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant’s difficult outing was exacerbated by injury fears. He was hit first time out by Hazlewood, before being hit right on the stomach by a rising short ball. Trying to counterattack, he then landed an inside edge on his left elbow, leaving him in visible pain. After undergoing treatment, Pant departed, only to return in the 16th over with LSG at 118/5. Still not fully relaxed, the LSG skipper struggled for time and was eventually dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar after facing just three balls.
