IPL 2025: Anil Kumble, the first-ever captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), analyzed the team’s batting struggles at their home ground, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in IPL 2025. The legendary leg-spinner suggested ways for RCB’s batters to improve their performance in front of their passionate fans.
RCB’s Home Struggles in IPL 2025
RCB has played three home games so far in IPL 2025, losing all three. In these matches, RCB batted first and scored 169/8, 163/7, and 95/9 in a 14-over game.
Speaking on Jio Hotstar, Anil Kumble said:
“RCB’s challenge when batting first at Chinnaswamy is that it’s hard to gauge a good score. Typically, anything below 200 isn’t safe, but this year, the pitch has been a bit spongy and sticky, which doesn’t help the batsmen. Despite that, it’s an advantage for bowlers. In all three matches where RCB batted first at Chinnaswamy, they struggled.”
“Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal need to bat longer to allow players like Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar to come in and play freely. It’s not about the pitch but about having the right batting approach. If RCB bats first tomorrow and the pitch remains the same, I’m confident Virat will adjust and score runs.”
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Anil Kumble Highlights Issues With Batting First
Anil Kumble also talked about some young spinners who have impressed in IPL 2025, praising Digvesh Singh Rathi and Vignesh Puthur. He had special praise for RCB’s young leg-spinner, Suyash Sharma, highlighting his improved consistency and maturity, especially while bowling on the challenging Chinnaswamy surface.
“I’m really impressed with the young spinners, especially Suyash Sharma, who has improved his consistency. Despite his action, he’s been brilliant for RCB, bowling at a pace that doesn’t give batters much time. He’s developing well, with a top-spinner and leg break to his name. It’s great to see him evolve and bowl better than last year.”
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“Young spinners like Suyash Sharma and others, like Digvesh Singh Rathi and Vignesh Puthur, have been impressive. Even on challenging pitches like Chinnaswamy, they’re showing maturity. Suyash has been particularly impressive,” Kumble said.
RCB will take on Rajasthan Royals at Chinnaswamy on Thursday, April 24. Patidar and his team will aim to secure two points against a struggling Royals side, who have lost their last four matches before this clash.
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