IPL 2025: RCB's Captain Patidar Shines with Tactical Brilliance, Says Bangar

Synopsis

In an analysis of RCB's 12-run victory over MI, Sanjay Bangar praised Rajat Patidar's tactical brilliance and effective decision-making. He highlighted the impact of disciplined bowling and strategic choices that led to RCB's first win at Wankhede in a decade.

Key Takeaways

Strategic decision-making under pressure.
Effective use of bowling resources.
Holding back key bowlers for crucial overs.
Importance of clarity in team roles.
Patidar's evolving leadership enhances team potential.

New Delhi, April 8 (NationPress) Sanjay Bangar, a former batting coach for India and a keen analyst of cricket, evaluated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's narrow 12-run win against the Mumbai Indians, commending the tactical acumen demonstrated by captain Rajat Patidar.

Bangar noted that RCB's adept decision-making under duress and the strategic deployment of their bowling assets were pivotal in securing their first victory at the Wankhede Stadium in ten years.

While chasing a formidable target of 222, MI appeared to be in control at one point, needing only 52 runs off 24 balls with six wickets still intact. However, a transformative concluding phase saw RCB regain control, aided by disciplined bowling and strategic field placements. “The most remarkable moment for me was Patidar’s choice to employ Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 16th over instead of holding him back for the death overs,” Bangar stated on ESPNcricinfo TimeOut.

“It was a high-risk, high-reward strategy, but it proved effective. Bhuvi provided the experience and control that RCB required to disrupt MI’s momentum. These are the crucial moments that can change the game in T20 cricket,” he elaborated.

Bangar also emphasized that having only five primary bowlers turned out to be advantageous for RCB. In contrast to MI, who had numerous bowling options but perhaps lacked clarity in their roles, RCB adhered to their core group. “Sometimes, an excess of choices leads to confusion. However, Patidar managed his limited resources with precision.”

One of the most daring decisions was reserving Krunal Pandya, typically a middle-overs bowler, for the last over. “This strategy was entirely logical,” Bangar remarked. “Had he bowled the 19th over, Hazlewood would have faced too much to defend. By holding Krunal back, they caught MI off guard and reaped the benefits. It was a masterclass in risk management.”

The performance of RCB’s spin bowlers - Krunal and Suyash Sharma - was also a significant highlight. “Many claimed RCB lacked depth in their spin options, but they effectively bowled eight overs of spin on a flat Wankhede pitch, and that was the key difference,” Bangar highlighted.

In a season where tactical intelligence is proving to be just as crucial as star power, Bangar believes RCB’s fresh approach and Patidar’s evolving leadership could propel them deep into the tournament. “If they continue to read situations as astutely as this, RCB may become a formidable force in IPL 2025.”