Cricket

IPL 2024: Virendra Sehwag slams RCB management for team’s struggles

April 17, 2024

Former Indian opening batter Virender Sehwag has expressed concerns over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s management following their recent defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In a high-scoring encounter, SRH set the highest IPL team total at 287/3, while RCB could only muster 262/5, resulting in a 25-run loss. This setback significantly impacted RCB’s playoff chances.

Virendra Sehwag explains the reason behind RCB’s failure

Sehwag raised concerns about the RCB’s coaching staff. He pointed out that while the team has many local players, lack of Indian coaches might create communication issues. Sehwag believed coaches who understand Indian culture and languages like Hindi would make local players feel more comfortable. He suggested adding 2-3 Indian coaches to the RCB staff as they could improve communication and potentially boost the team’s performance.

“If you have 12-15 Indian players, just 10 overseas and your entire staff is made of foreigners, that’s an issue. Only a few of them are international players, rest are all Indians and half of them don’t even understand English. How will you motivate them? Who spends time with them? Who talks to them? I can’t see a single Indian staff member. At least there should be someone who the players can confide in,” Sehwag was quoted as saying on Cricbuzz.

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“Players need a comfort level which they are not getting presently. Players go blank in front of captain Faf du Plessis because if he asks something, they will have to answer. If the leader is Indian, you can share what’s going through your mind. But if you do that to an overseas player, you may be left out of the Playing XI in the next game. RCB need at least 2-3 Indian support staff,” he added.

RCB skids to fifth consecutive defeat in IPL 2024

RCB find themselves in a precarious position after losing six out of their first seven matches in IPL 2024. Their sole victory came against the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Bowling appears to be a major concern, with a lack of consistency and even established performers like Mohammed Siraj struggling for form. The batting department also faces challenges, particularly in the middle order, where consistency is lacking. While mathematically, they remain in contention, realistically their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. To salvage their season, RCB will need a dramatic turnaround and win all their remaining matches.