The Royal Challengers Bangalore have slowly but steadily climbed up the 2020 IPL points table and are currently pretty much in second place, tied on points with the Delhi Capitals, after their emphatic 8 wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders.
The victory was the result of a great new ball from RCB pacemakers. Mohammed Siraj threw two maiden and picked up three wickets on the power play to hook KKR and the men in purple never really recovered from that hit, ultimately managing just 84 runs in their 20 overs.
RCB starters Aaron Finch and Devdutt Padikkal got the team off to a steady start in the chase, until Lockie Ferguson eliminated Finch. Everyone expected Captain Virat Kohli to come out and finish the job, which he eventually did, but Gurkeerat Singh Mann was sent to number three.
Gurkeerat scored 21 unbeaten and helped RCB close out the match along with captain Kohli. In a video posted to RCB’s Twitter after the match, the team’s cricket director Mike Hesson shared why the Punjab batsman was promoted on the order.
“It was done to give you some confidence. He’s the only one in the top five who didn’t get a chance to hit before the last game. We also knew that if Varun Chakravarthy came to Gurkeerat, he had the ability to turn around, ”Hesson said in a video posted on RCB’s Twitter.
“The last time was with AB sir and now with Virat bhai. A lot to learn from them and it’s always good to hit alongside them and hopefully many more winning moments like this, “said Gurkeerat.
RCB will face Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, October 25. CSK is almost out of the tournament, but can play the spoiler on RCB’s chances of finishing in the top two. Therefore, it is essential for Kohli and his men not to lower their guard and continue to perform at their best.
.
