Just like every other IPL season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are languishing at the bottom half of the table. With just one win in their five outings so far, the frustration is very rife among the fans. RCB has been the weakest bowling unit when it comes to the death overs.
Ferguson seen practicing in nets ahead of Mumbai Indians clash
Recently, RCB posted pictures of Lockie Ferguson bowling in the nets. This could likely point towards the Kiwi’s inclusion in the squad.
Ferguson got only three games in the previous season of the IPL, playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. In the edition, he claimed just one wicket, giving away 96 runs in 46 deliveries. With an economy rate of 12.52 last season, it will be interesting to see whether the pacer can solve RCB’s major challenge in the death overs.
Lack of precision in RCB’s bowling lineup
The team’s bowling got exponentially exposed in the match against KKR. Lacking variety, the spinners failed to trouble the Kolkata batsmen. The bowlers failed to defend 183 runs, with Mohammad Siraj and Alzari Joseph proving to be very costly. Although Vyshak Vijayakumar emerged with good bowling figures, he was dropped from the lineup in the next matches against Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants.
Forming a formidable bowling attack has been an issue. They also released their one of the best death bowlers, Harshal Patel to Punjab Kings. Ever since most of the bowlers have leaked runs, including their foreign signing Cameron Green. The two bouncers per over rule has not been used to the best, with lackluster directions.
With the bench strength not tested completely as yet, inclusion of Ferguson can be very likely at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. Incidentally, the last IPL match that the 31-year-old featured in was at the Wankhede on April 16 last year against Mumbai Indians.
Editors pick
