IPL 2025: RCB's Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Chinnaswamy's Changing Nature

Key Takeaways

Bhuvneshwar Kumar comments on the pitch changes.
RCB's strategy remains consistent despite surface challenges.
The team has had a solid start, with two losses at home.
Hazlewood's performance has been commendable.
The need for calmness in high-pressure situations.

Bengaluru, April 17 (NationPress) Royal Challengers Bengaluru's fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar is of the opinion that the M Chinnaswamy Stadium has lost its charm as a batting haven.

Ahead of RCB’s IPL 2025 face-off against the Punjab Kings this Friday, the experienced bowler acknowledged that the pitch in Bengaluru has been unpredictable this season, leaving even the home squad like RCB puzzled.

“Our training remains standard; we approach every opponent and ground the same way. Chinnaswamy is renowned for its batting-friendly nature, yet the pitch is not what it used to be. I can't pinpoint the cause, but whether we bowl or bat first, we will assess the initial overs to determine how to strategize accordingly,” he stated.

RCB has enjoyed a decent start to their season, securing four victories out of six matches. However, both of their losses—against Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals—occurred at home, where they couldn't defend subpar totals. In those matches, the first innings scores fell below 170, and bowlers from the visiting teams effectively capitalized on the surface, while RCB's attack was surprisingly lackluster.

This isn't the first time worries regarding the Chinnaswamy pitch have been voiced this season. RCB coach Dinesh Karthik previously mentioned that the sluggish, sticky surface is detrimental to their explosive batting lineup.

Even with the pitch failing to maintain its high-scoring reputation, RCB’s pace attack, spearheaded by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood of Australia, has managed to keep things under control. Hazlewood has claimed nine wickets in six matches at an average of 21 and an economy rate of 8.65, forming a solid partnership with the Indian veteran.

“The roles can’t be predetermined prior to the match. Typically, both Hazlewood and I bowl with the new ball and at the death. Our roles are fairly consistent, yet they can vary from match to match based on our performance in the early overs and the opposing team’s batting. However, as seasoned bowlers, we both aim to take wickets and contribute positively to the team,” he elaborated.

Commending Hazlewood’s composure, Bhuvneshwar remarked, “He has been exceptional. His calmness is crucial, especially in this format; it’s easy to panic after a loss, but he has maintained his composure. We lost two matches, yet he remained the same whether we triumphed or faltered.”