“RCB’s challenge when batting first at Chinnaswamy is that it’s hard to gauge a good score,” Anil Kumble said.
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First-ever Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Anil Kumble analysed the Rajat Patidar-led side’s struggles with the bat at their home ground – M Chinnaswamy Stadium – in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The legendary leg-spinner also suggested ways in which the RCB batters can overcome their struggles in front of the passionate RCB fans who pack the Chinnaswamy to the rafters in every game.
RCB have played three games at the Chinnaswamy in IPL 2025 so far, and have suffered defeats in all three games. It is important to note that the Bengaluru-based franchise batted first in all three instances. They could only manage scores of 169/8, 163/7, and in a 14-over game, 95/9.
Kumble said that the surfaces at the iconic venue have not been easy for batting. The highest wicket-taker for India in international cricket suggested that Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal should look to bat deep into the innings and allow power-hitters like Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar to play their natural aggressive game.
“RCB’s challenge when batting first at Chinnaswamy is that it’s hard to gauge a good score. Typically, anything below 200 isn’t safe, but this year, the pitch has been a bit spongy and sticky, which doesn’t help the batsmen. Despite that, it’s an advantage for bowlers. In all three matches where RCB batted first at Chinnaswamy, they struggled. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal need to bat longer to allow players like Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar to come in and play freely. It’s not about the pitch but about having the right batting approach. If RCB bats first tomorrow and the pitch remains the same, I’m confident Virat will adjust and score runs,” Kumble opined while speaking on JioHotstar.
Also read: IPL 2025: Match 42, RCB vs RR Match Prediction
Suyash Sharma has been particularly impressive: Kumble
Kumble also shared his views on some of the young spinners who have made their presence felt in IPL 2025. He lauded the likes of Digvesh Singh Rathi and Vignesh Puthur. The former India head coach had special praise for RCB’s young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma. He praised the youngster for improving his consistency and the maturity to bowl on a challenging surface like Chinnaswamy.
“I’m really impressed with the young spinners, especially Suyash Sharma, who has improved his consistency. Despite his action, he’s been brilliant for RCB, bowling at a pace that doesn’t give batters much time. He’s developing well, with a top-spinner and leg break to his name. It’s great to see him evolve and bowl better than last year. Young spinners like Suyash Sharma and others, like Digvesh Singh Rathi and Vignesh Puthur, have been impressive. Even on challenging pitches like Chinnaswamy, they’re showing maturity. Suyash has been particularly impressive,” Kumble.
RCB are set to face Rajasthan Royals at the Chinnaswamy on Thursday, April 24. Patidar and Co. will look to bag two points against a deflated Royals side, which has lost their last four games heading into this clash.
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