IPL 2022 | GT vs RCB | How can RCB return to winning ways?

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are having a roller coaster ride in IPL 2022. After a decent start to their campaign, RCB have lost momentum. The most concerning thing is the manner in which they have lost the last two matches. The team has lacked resilience in the batting department.

The Men in Red are set to face Gujarat Titans (GT) in their next assignment at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. Hardik Pandya's side is looking invincible in the tournament. They have won seven of their eight matches and are placed at the top of the table. However, RCB has the challenging task of stopping GT and getting back to winning ways.

Here are some things RCB can try to return to winning ways.

Batting:

Opening: Virat Kohli opened the innings in the last match for RCB. It seems like a bold move that can work for them, but King Kohli's form is still a major concern for them. He has scored just 128 runs in the tournament at an RPI of 14.22 and a strike rate of 119.63. So VK opening the innings gives him extra time to play out some deliveries, feel the ball in the middle of the bat and then get going.

Faf du Plessis' form has blown hot and cold in the tournament. But in order to lay a strong foundation, Du Plessis will have to change his approach. Both Kohli and Faf are similar players when we look at their approaches. They both look to rotate the strike at the initial stages while getting set in the process and then go after the bowling. But given the type of form Kohli is in, Faf will have to become the aggressor and allow Kohli the time to do absolutely nothing for the first few deliveries. Given Kohli's class over the years, a bit of time in the middle will surely get him going.

Middle Order: While there was a total batting collapse for RCB in the match against SRH, the middle order was non-resilient against RR. It looks like they are over-dependent on Dinesh Karthik. His failure has left the team wanting in some of the matches.

Besides, RCB has used Karthik in a one-dimensional way till now. But, the Bangalore-based franchise should use him as the vital cog in the middle overs if and when needed. DK has scored 216 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 198.17 and is in a dream touch. So, if a wicket or two falls very early, sending him up the order and giving him the freedom to go after the bowlers could be an exciting option.

Another area of concern for RCB has been the form of Glenn Maxwell. While he has had some starts in the tournament, he is still to go big. He has played six innings in the tournament scoring 124 runs at an average of 24.8 and a strike rate of 177.14. RCB might be missing the plot by using him at number 4. The team management should look to use him as the number three batter of the team. 

Maxwell batting at number three will add dynamism to the batting lineup. Send Maxi at three and give him the license to attack the bowlers from the word go; this could be a good strategy.

Bowling: The primary concern for RCB in the tournament has been the lack of consistency from Mohammed Siraj. In the nine matches he has played in the tournament, Siraj has picked up eight wickets but has conceded runs at an economy of 9.47. His development as a Test bowler during the last season for India might be why they are not willing to drop him. But to bring consistency in the bowling effort, RCB should be ready to take a tough call.

They have an option in Siddharth Kaul, who can replace Siraj well. He has international experience and has played more than 54 matches in IPL. Kaul is also reputed to be a death over specialist, so using him for a couple of matches could be an option.

RCB also have Jason Behrendorff on the bench. If Siraj fails to regain his form, the team management can look to tweak their combination a bit and use the Aussie bowler in the first eleven. Behrendorff usually bowls the tricky overs in a match and still has maintained an impressive economy of 8.5 in his career.

RCB is a team having a massive following in the country. The presence of Virat Kohli makes the engagement with the team even more emotional. We all hope that 'The King' and his army return to form quickly.