New Delhi: It was a crucial match for Royal Challengers Bangalore. A definite shot at redemption, to mend things their way and regain their lost momentum. But it all went awry once again as the star-studded batting line-up struggled to get runs, even at their home arena, with once again the Big Three failing to deliver.
Battling against the beleagured Gujarat Lions, much was expected off the celebrated opening pair of Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, specially after the humialtion they faced at Eden Gardens when they were scrambled to lowest total 49 all out by Kolkata Knight Riders. But the young pace attack combo of Nathu Singh and Basil Thampi got the better of the duo, with Kohli departing right away in the fourth over of the match and Thampi being the wicket-taker.
Then off the very next over Gayle and Travis Head were swipped off on consecutive deliveries, putting Andrew Tye on a hat-trick. But the Aussie failed to grab it.
Off to a rather sluggish start, Kedar Jadhav stepped in to rack up a few boundaries and brought the run rate to around six. But he too fell shortly thereafter adding more to the concern of Kohli and his team. The only hope left now was AB de Villiers.
Having rescued the team on numerous occasions earlier, fans' hope completely relied on the South African international. But a foolish mix up with Mandeep Singh resulted in a run out.
It was clear that RCB was once again heading down the same way. With wickets falling around like nine pins, another 'all out' wasn't far away. Although a last minute cameo by Pawan Negi did put their team to a relatively respectable position from where they were, but as the prediction went, host did go all out.
Here are the best Twitter reactions for RCB's sluggish display with the bat at M Chinnaswamy Stadium...
Basil Thampi and Nathu Singh....just loved the way both bowled to the Boss and Universal Boss. Unflappable temperament. #RCBvGL #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 27, 2017
Back from the game, when asked how Kohli and Gayle played, kids will say only Jadhav n Negi scored. Kids will be grounded for lying.#RCBvGL
— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) April 27, 2017
Me everytime I see a friend supporting RCB. pic.twitter.com/TzPpCUeXND
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) April 27, 2017
RCB have crossed 49. Well done.
— Clive (@vanillawallah) April 27, 2017
Pic 1: Kohli fans before the start of innings
Pic 2: Witnessing fall of wickets #RCBvGL pic.twitter.com/XDpLWZHp2Z— typo (@Yourtypo) April 27, 2017
Kohli l appreciate your leadership but come little later to bat so that you can support the batting line up
— Francis Vineeth (@vinufran) April 27, 2017
Mandeep Singh has booked an Uber to go to Airport, to escape from Virat Kohli #RCBvGL
— Shashi (@AllTimeBakchod) April 27, 2017
Kohli - Can we finish the game quickly, need to go for party tonight.
Team - Consider it done sir..!#RCBvsGL #ipl #IPL2017— Bijay Naik (@naik_bijay) April 27, 2017
Fastest things in IPL :
1.Jadeja's over
2. Time Out
3. RCB's Batting collapse#RCBvGL #IPL— Yash Agarwalla (@Yashagarwalla) April 27, 2017
Setting a paltry target of just 134, RCB were battered to yet another defeat in just 13.5 overs with the likes of Aaron Finch (72 off 34 deliveries) and the skipper Suresh Raina (34 n.o off 30 deliveries).
