Ambati Rayudu criticises the international players of the RCB after a lacklustre performance, saying it “has been the story for last 16 years.”

Following a dismal showing in their 28-run defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 2, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have come under fire once more. Ambati Rayudu, a former Indian cricketer, was blunt in his evaluation of RCB’s performance, citing their inability to produce under duress and their subpar bowling as the main causes of their defeat.

The visitors posted a formidable total of 181/5 after being asked to bat first, thanks to LSG opener Quinton de Kock’s outstanding 81 off 56 and vice-captain Nicholas Pooran’s blistering 40* off 21. RCB’s run chase never really got going, as they lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bundled out for 153 in 19.4 overs.

They constantly seem to bowl beyond par, in my opinion. Ambati Rayudu

Rayudu brought attention to RCB’s bowling resources, which he believes frequently give up too many runs. They always seem to bowl over-par and bat below-par, in my opinion. When the RCB is under pressure, no famous batter is visible on the pitch. These groups never succeed. Rayudu stated on Star Sports, “This is the reason they haven’t won the IPL in such a long time.

Apart from a 40-run partnership between Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, RCB’s batting order collapsed as a result of LSG’s methodical bowling attack, which Mayank Yadav led with 3/14. Rayudu highlighted how, while Dinesh Karthik struggled, the onus ultimately rested on the younger Indian batsmen, Rajat Patidar and Mahipal Lomror, who hit 29 and 33 runs, respectively.

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“Every novice player continues to perform lower on the order, whereas the elite players start at the top and depart after finishing the cake before the cream. Your young Indian batters and Dinesh Karthik were the batters batting under pressure, if you notice,” Rayudu continued.

RCB has consistently failed to put together a balanced playing XI and get the big names to contribute when it matters most, despite fielding teams full of superstars over the years.

“Where were your famous international players who should have been able to handle the pressure? They were in the dressing room together. This is not what’s taking place right now. “The last sixteen years have been this team’s story,” he said in closing.

Following their loss yesterday night, the Bengaluru-based team is struggling, now sitting at ninth in the standings. In order to turn things around in the competition, RCB will now travel to Jaipur for their upcoming match.