Follow UsRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are yet to win a game at their home, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, drawing a blank across all three games. But, on April 23 (Wednesday), the 2016 IPL finalists have an opportunity to change their fortunes against Rajasthan Royals.
Ahead of the clash, RCB’s skipper Rajat Patidar revealed what has made the wickets at the Chinnaswamy Stadium tricky this year. The average first-innings score has been 142, the lowest at a venue in the IPL this year.
“We have not played good cricket in our home matches and you have talked about the toss, it's not in my hand, so, let's see. And this time, wickets are a bit tricky and unpredictable over here, but that is not an excuse. So, we'll try to adapt the situation and condition as quick as possible,” Patidar said ahead of the clash.
“It is not that if you lose the toss, half the battle is lost because the toss is not in our control. But as a player, if you have to bat first, you would always try to do the best you can in such a situation and conditions. So, we are trying to focus more on that aspect and not on the toss."
Unlike previous occasions, when the conditions were extremely batter-friendly, this year's game has been very two-paced, which has made it difficult for the batters.
“For us, I think it is about being in the present moment because in this league, you have back-to-back matches. So, it's important to learn from the past and from the errors. We don't keep talking about our home matches that we have lost; we focus on the present as much as possible, which is more important. We always try to do our best on that day,” he added.
“Shot selection and doing it correctly is very important here, because this time the pitches are a little two-paced and the bounce varies at times as well. So, as a result, there is help for the bowlers. “
However, Patidar isn’t too fazed about the conditions, stating that they can’t give any ‘excuse’ and will have to adapt to the conditions and situations.
“The curators are doing a good job and are doing their best. But as a player, when you go to any wicket, you have to adapt to the conditions and situations. You cannot give any excuse that the wickets are this or that. I think this time, the wickets are a little tricky, and we will adapt to them as soon as possible.”