Here's the review of RCB's IPL 2019 campaign
Royal Challengers Bangalore ended their Indian Premier League 2019 campaign on a high after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday. However, the southern outfit stayed at the bottom for nearly the entire IPL 2019 season. RCB produced some strong performance in the second half of the season, but the damage was done in the first phase itself. Here we review RCB's IPL 12 campaign.
RCB's horrible start did them in
RCB started off on a dismal note as they lost their opening six matches this season. That did them in completely. The confidence, body language and urge to fight deserted them. Their batsmen didn't apply themselves on the field. The immaturity to play too many shots made them suffer. The bowlers added to the misery by being predictable. Fielding standards were low as well.
Nobody took responsibility in the first half
Before the season, there was a fear that RCB look over-dependent on their stars and this came true right from the start. No one took responsibility, which led to pressure situations. There was too much on the plates of skipper Virat Kohli and the star batsman AB de Villiers. At times, RCB never looked like a team fighting for a common goal.
Lack of collective approach on the field hurt RCB
Collective approach is something which RCB lacked. There were few strong individual performers throughout the campaign, but there was no support from the other end. It is wrong to put all the blame on Kohli, although he lacked the edge as well. A skipper also needs his players to rise up to the challenge, which RCB players didn't. Poor individual performance let them down.
Certain players had a bright campaign
Yuzvendra Chahal stood out for RCB this season. He ended up with 18 wickets and was their best bowler. Navdeep Saini deserves applaud for showing grit and character. He picked up 11 scalps. Kohli (464) and ABD (442) were there for RCB when required. Parthiv Patel was a rock at the top, despite the personal battles off the field. These players delivered for RCB.
RCB were unlucky and what they need to do next
RCB also didn't have luck in their favor. The absence of Nathan Coulter-Nile weakened their bowling. Dale Steyn came in with so much on offer, but a shoulder injury forced him out. Some other star players were inconsistent too. RCB did offer a fight back in the second half, but they need to show that energy throughout. They need to work on the basics.
