Royal Challengers Bangalore’s campaign in IPL 2022 came to an end on Friday (May 27) with a defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier. The Bangalore-based outfit were thoroughly outplayed by the Royals in the must-win clash.
Asked to bat first, RCB never really got going and ended their innings on 157 for 8 in the stipulated 20 overs. The likes of Virat Kohli (7), Faf du Plessis (25) and Glenn Maxwell (24) once again failed to deliver with the bat.
For the Royals, Prasidh Krishna and Obed McCoy starred with the ball, taking three wickets each while conceding less than 6 runs an over. After that, Jos Buttler scored a stunning unbeaten century to help Royals chase down the total with ease.
Buttler slammed 106 off just 60 balls with the help of 10 fours and 6 sixes. Thanks to his ton, Royals chased down the total with almost 2 overs remaining and 7 wickets in hand.
The Sanju Samson-led side will now lock horns against Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans in the final on Sunday (May 29). Royals are eyeing their second IPL title and first since winning the inaugural season in 2008.
Parthiv Patel questions RCB:
Soon after RCB exited IPL 2022, their former star Parthiv Patel questioned their decision of retaining Glenn Maxwell. RCB had retained Kohli, Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj before this year’s mega auction.
Speaking about Maxwell, Parthiv said that he surprised to see the Australian as one of the three picks. The hard-hitting batsman had a good outing in last IPL, scoring 513 runs in 14 innings. Following that performance, he was retained by the RCB for INR 11 crore.
However, Maxwell failed to justify the franchise’s decision this season. He managed to score only 301 runs, with one half-century to his name in 13 innings. Taking a dig at Maxwell, Parthiv said that the batsman score big runs once after every five seasons.
“I was surprised to see RCB retain Glenn Maxwell on the basis of one good season. He has been inconsistent with his performances. He scores big runs after every five seasons. He has been consistent with his inconsistency. RCB expected him to perform like he did last year, but that didn’t happen,” Parthiv Patel told Cricbuzz.
RCB’s latest failure means they are yet to win their maiden IPL title. The Bangalore-based outfit is one of the only three franchises who are playing in the league since 2008 but are yet to win the title. RCB last played a final way back in 2016.