IPL: Kirsten calls for 'structural changes' in RCB
Royal Challengers Bangalore are nearing the end of another woeful campaign in the Indian Premier League. As they aim to finish the season on a high, RCB coach Gary Kirsten has agreed that the team needs to undergo 'structural changes' before the next season, if they want to have a shot at the title. We analyze what changes RCB should do.
Kirsten feels RCB needed structural changes for a long time
Kirsten said that in order to qualify for the play-offs, RCB have been in a need of certain structural changes for a long time. "This is my first year as the head coach, so I have got a better understanding of what those are. We will certainly discuss with our owners and look into that for next year," Kirsten said to Cricbuzz.
There are no quick fixes in IPL, says RCB's coach
"Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes in IPL, you need to move as quickly as you can to get the results you are looking for. And sometimes, when you are making quite a lot of shifts around, it takes time," Kirsten further added.
Kirsten believes in continuity
Kirsten said that he has always been a fan of the team continuity, as most of the successful teams in the IPL have done that. "While there might be some structural changes next year, I am hopeful and confident we will have some continuity in our players. Because we need to really start building a core of players that we believe in," Kirsten voiced.
Nathan Coulter-Nile's unavailability hurt RCB this season
Kirsten argued it was their bowling that disappointed them the most, as the unavailability of Nathan Coulter-Nile, for two years in a row, did hurt. "I think one of the toughest things we've had to deal with this season is our international fast bowler never arrived, in Coulter-Nile. For two years actually. So, that's been quite a tough thing to deal with," opined Kirsten.
Consistency is the key
"We only got two points in the first half. But we have won four of our last seven games, and one of them was a rained-out game. So that's kind of back to the kind of consistency you need," mooted Kirsten.
Kirsten needs to be a part of the 'structural changes'
While Kirsten is right about the above mentioned 'structural changes' in RCB, the author feels that Kirsten too should be a part of that change. It should be noted Kirsten is a successful coach in ODIs, but the same cannot be said for T20s. While he has won the World Cup with India, he is yet to taste success in the IPL.
Kirsten and RCB aim to finish season on high
As of now, RCB have nothing but to play for pride. They play their final game against Sunrisers Hyderabad tonight, and would aim to finish on a high. Least to say, if RCB lose this tie, not just they would finish at the bottom of the table, the management could take strict actions and structural changes could be implemented soon.
