Image Source: PTI
[Saba Sports News] RCB captain Faf du Plessis acknowledged the team’s struggle with confidence this season after suffering their sixth loss in seven games, this time against Sunrisers Hyderabad, who set a new IPL record for the highest total. “Crazy the amount of runs that were scored today,” du Plessis commented post-game, appreciating his team’s effort to stay competitive towards the end.
He noted the team’s attempts to bolster confidence, particularly in the bowling department, and suggested possibly integrating leg spin to improve middle over wicket-taking. Despite the loss, du Plessis was encouraged by the batting performance, especially during the powerplay with contributions from himself and Virat Kohli, and later, Dinesh Karthik, who nearly bridged the chase. He emphasized the need for the batting unit to maintain and increase scoring rates consistently throughout the innings.
Reflecting on the mental strain of consecutive losses, du Plessis stressed the importance of taking a mental break, with the team not scheduled to play again until Sunday. He emphasized the necessity of returning to the field with full commitment and fighting spirit.
Conversely, Travis Head of SRH praised their strong middle order for enabling aggressive batting during the powerplay. Head, who scored a rapid century, credited his and Abhishek Sharma’s ability to exploit the early overs to the depth provided by their teammates. He also lauded his bowlers for regaining control after a costly powerplay, noting the crucial middle-over wickets as pivotal to securing their win.
Head also discussed the influence of the IPL’s impact player rule on extending batting depth and encouraging aggressive play, likening it to international standards where power hitters extend deep into the lineup, allowing top-order batsmen like himself to take more risks early on.