At RCB, we have played ourselves into a tight corner, but don’t write us off yet.
Our level of performance has been average and, with two wins from seven matches, we know we may need to win as many as six of the next seven matches to advance in the competition and reach the knockout stages.
That’s not impossible. In the past seasons, we have seen teams recover from losing streaks to win five or six matches in a row. Win one game, then another. Confidence starts to grow. Win another. The team gathers a sense of momentum. Win another. Opponents become cautious. Win another and, from what can feel like the depths of despair, you suddenly find yourself back in the competition. Fear nobody and look forward to every match with confidence.
Can RCB be the comeback kids of 2016?
The mood inside the camp is positive. Nobody is panicking and blaming anybody. This is a strong group of players and coaches, and we realise we have got into this situation together, and now we owe it to our supporters to get out of it together.
Secondly, we have played well in stages but have been unable to sustain a performance for the full 40 overs. Against KKR, we seemed well set after 35 overs, having set a reasonable target and bowled well, but then lost a bit of control and, in the space of 15 minutes, the game was lost.
{{/usCountry}}Secondly, we have played well in stages but have been unable to sustain a performance for the full 40 overs. Against KKR, we seemed well set after 35 overs, having set a reasonable target and bowled well, but then lost a bit of control and, in the space of 15 minutes, the game was lost.
{{/usCountry}}Our batting has been reasonable, even if there have been times when we have taken the foot off the pedal instead of pressing home an advantage, but our bowlers have been performing under pressure. They know what has gone wrong and, as a unit, have embraced the challenge to turn things around in the next few matches. Our fielding has been below par and, in that area, every one of us has a responsibility to increase the intensity and accuracy.
We have a mountain to climb. We also know that as a squad we have the ability and equipment to reach the summit.
(The writer is a Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman)
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Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score and get exclusive insights with the IPL Match Today, IPL Points Table match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and IPL Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.