Former India captain Kris Srikkanth expressed dismay at the poor bowling performance of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in a record-setting IPL 2024 match. In the high-scoring affair where RCB gave away 287 runs, the highest total in IPL history, Srikkanth remarked that Virat Kohli could have bowled better than the six RCB bowlers that day.

Kris Srikkanth jokingly said RCB should just field 11 batters at their home stadium in Bengaluru. For a crucial home match against strong opponents Sunrisers, RCB dropped Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell. All the RCB bowlers were hammered by SRH batters. The Bengaluru based team became the first IPL franchise whose four bowlers conceded 50+ runs each in the innings.

“Reece Topley and Lockie Ferguson have struggled and were punished. After traveling from Kolkata to Bengaluru, Ferguson has not performed well. However, Will Jacks has been the team’s best bowler,” said Srikkanth.

“The team would be better with 11 batters in the playing XI. Faf du Plessis can bowl 2 overs while Cameron Green can chip in with 4 overs. Virat Kohli’s a much better bowler, even he would have not leaked so many runs,” he added.

“I have sympathy for Virat Kohli, who could only watch helplessly as balls flew for sixes. Kohli was furious, as Head and Klaasen continued their onslaught. But Abdul Samad’s knock put RCB out of the game.”

The 1983 World Cup winner also questioned the RCB management for their team selection. In their first seven games, RCB have used 20 players.

“RCB dropped key players like Mohammed Siraj, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Alzarri Joseph, all of whom were bought for big money. This decision raises questions about RCB’s planning and strategy at the auction. While the players should not be blamed, the team management deserves criticism for entering the auction without a clear plan,” he concluded.

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