RCB thump CSK in a run-fest in Bengaluru and notch-up their fourth successive win against the five time champions. Yes, it is still early days into the season, but the defending champions are looking like the team to beat. They will be in action next on Friday, April 10, in Guwahati against Rajasthan Royals.
Meanwhile, the Super Kings will fly to their home in Chennai and prepare for a clash against Delhi Capitals on Saturday, April 11 โ when they'd hopefully have Dewald Brevis available for selection.
But before that, tomorrow, we will see Shreyas Iyer lead Punjab Kings against his former team Kolkata Knight Riders, who are still looking for their first win of the season. Do join us for it. Our coverage will begin at 6:30 PM IST.
For now, this is Darpan Tikiya signing off on the behalf of AkshayaKrishna Polya, Ajay Pal Singh, Aman, Manish Bishnoi and Paras Yadav. Keep following CREX for more cricketing action from around the globe. See you soon! ๐
Most consecutive wins vs CSK in the IPL
5 - MI (2018-2019)
5 - PBKS (2021-2024)
4 - DC (2020-2021)
4 - RR (2021-2023)
4 - RCB (2024-present)*
Most number of batters to hit a six in an IPL Match
14 - RCB vs CSK, Bengaluru, 2026, tonight*
13 - DC vs MI, Delhi, 2024
13 - PBKS vs KKR, Indore, 2018
Tim David (POTM): "[How pleased is he?] Obviously, very pleased. It doesn't always happen that way. You know, the skipper, Rajat, was absolutely smoking it and I was taking balls off him. So, to be able to get us to a score and obviously put a lot of pressure on the opposition. It was super fun.
[He was batting at 4 for Australia. How does he adjust to different positions?] I'm lucky I don't change my game too much. I obviously have a period to bat for a little bit longer, but I've got the confidence from all the prep I do to try and play the same way and have the backing from my teammates and the support staff. That's really valuable and it helps a lot. I get to go out and bat with Jitesh and Romario behind me, that gives you a lot of confidence.
[On his preparations] It's a lot of the prep we do over here. Very lucky to be able to work with DK. He's obviously an incredibly experienced player in these conditions. And, you know, we're working on lots of different stuff. You still keep your basics that you build your strength around and then you try and improve. So, you know, I've been in the IPL a few years now. And I think that you also with that prep and that time, you don't put as much pressure on yourself to perform. So try and enjoy it on the good days. And obviously there's going to be some bad ones, but that's, that's the game..
[On the 106 m six] I've been getting in trouble at the training with the boys. We have competitions to try and hit them on the roof but we're obviously on the side pitches. So if you get one during a match out of the middles, it is pretty pleasing. It's good fun."
Player of the Match: Tim David
Most Matches Won by RCB in Bengaluru vs an Opponent in IPL:
7 vs PBKS
7 vs CSK*
6 vs SRH
6 vs DC
Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captain): "[How does top of the table feel for the defending champions?] Of course, it feels great! You know, but at the same time, if you play good cricket, it gives a lot of satisfaction among the team.
[What is the mindset of RCB batters to start their innings?] Initially, the ball was stopping a bit. The way Phil (Salt) and Virat bhai played early on was superb. After that, Dev (Padikkal) and Tim David, I think I enjoyed a lot of sixes from the dugouts and from the non-striker end (smiles).
[On RCB accelerating from 12th-13th over. Was that a conscious thing to kick on from there?] Yes, I think my mindset was pretty clear. As long as I'm there, I always try to put pressure on the bowler. And at the same time, I'm lucky that Tim (David) was there. So yeah, as I said, I was enjoying the sixes.
[How is he impressed by the muscle power shown by Tim David not only this season, but also in the last season?] He's a specialist, and he's one of the best finishers, I would say. And I think I enjoyed a lot. And he has done the same last year also. So yeah, I think he is more consistent, if you say, the best finisher and the most consistent throughout the game and one of the best finishers I've ever seen.
[Have you ever seen a bigger six than that 106 m one at Chinnaswamy?] That 106 m one? Yeah, I was just looking at the ball.
[On RCB's bowling plan] Yeah, I think the way Duffy bowled those outswingers and got through those wickets, I think that has put us in the driving seat. And after that, the KP (Krunal Pandya) bowled and gave us a breakthrough of Sarfaraz, who was playing well. And in the death overs, the way Bhuvi and Abhinandan bowled those yorkers, I think great to watch. And in between Romario, the way he came into the team in the between and gave that one over, I think that was a wonderful team effort from our boys.
[On Krunal and Suyash] I think they are the wicket takers. The way Suyash came and bowled those beautiful four overs, I think that was great. And the way, as I mentioned, KP, I think whenever I came under pressure, I always looked to KP, "Where is KP?" And I have that much belief in him.
[Is the fire still burning bright?] Yeah, I think everyone is looking great and in a good mindset. And everyone is looking forward to the next game."
Most Dot Balls in the Match: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (11 Dots)