Anil Kumble, the first-ever captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), examined the Rajat Patidar-led team’s batting difficulties at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where they currently play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In front of the fervent RCB supporters who cram the Chinnaswamy to capacity at every match, the renowned leg-spinner also offered advice on how the RCB hitters might overcome their difficulties.
In the three IPL 2025 games that RCB has played in the Chinnaswamy, they have lost each time. The Bengaluru-based team batted first in each of the three cases, which is significant. They were only able to score 169/8, 163/7, and 95/9 in a 14-over match.
According to Kumble, batting has not been simple on the famous venue’s surfaces. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal should aim to bat deep into the innings and let power hitters like Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar play their naturally aggressive game, according to the Indian cricketer who has taken the most wickets in international matches.
“RCB faces the difficulty of determining a solid score when they bat first at Chinnaswamy. Anything under 200 is usually dangerous, but this year’s pitch has been a little sticky and spongy, which is bad for the batsmen. In spite of this, bowlers benefit from it. RCB struggled in each of the three games at Chinnaswamy where they batted first. For guys like Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar to enter and play freely, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal must bat for longer. Having the proper batting technique is more important than the pitch. “I’m sure Virat will adapt and score runs if RCB bats first tomorrow and the pitch stays the same,” Kumble said on JioHotstar.
In particular, Suyash Sharma has impressed: Anil Kumble
Kumble also discussed his opinions about a few of the young spinners who have emerged as major players in the 2025 Indian Premier League. He praised individuals such as Vignesh Puthur and Digvesh Singh Rathi. The youthful leg-spinner Suyash Sharma of the RCB received particular accolades from the former head coach of India. He commended the young player for becoming more consistent and mature enough to bowl like Chinnaswamy on a difficult surface.
“The young spinners, particularly Suyash Sharma, who has increased his consistency, have truly impressed me. He has been excellent for RCB despite his actions, bowling quickly enough to give batters little time. With a leg break and top spinner under his belt, he’s progressing nicely. Seeing him improve and bowl better than he did the previous season is fantastic. Suyash Sharma and other young spinners, such as Vignesh Puthur and Digvesh Singh Rathi, have shown great promise. They’re shown maturity even on difficult pitches like Chinnaswamy. “Suyash has been especially outstanding,” Kumble said.
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.
India
