IPL 2018: 5 biggest takeaways from the RCB's win over KXIP
The IPL returned to the M. Chinnaswamy stadium as Royal Challengers Bangalore took on the Kings XI Punjab last night. The two teams had contrasting starts to their IPL campaign; Kings XI Punjab led by Ravichandran Ashwin defeated the Delhi Daredevils whereas the struggles continued for Kohli led Royal Challengers Bangalore as they went down against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Going into the tie, KXIP had the better head to head record but the hosts were slight favourites. One of the most intriguing questions leading into the match was if Chris Gayle would play against his former franchise. Ultimately, KXIP decided against it, and paid the price for it. It has only been a week into IPL 2018 and we have already seen some fantastic contests, and this match was no different. The Bangalore wicket was pretty supportive to positive cricket, and had something for everyone involved.
The match was evenly poised for a long time, but once Ab de Villiers decided to up the ante, there was no coming back for the Kings XI Punjab. RCB won the match by 4 wickets and opened their account in IPL 2018. Punjab may have lost but they had their moments, and there is no reason for them to be overtly dejected.
The match was hard fought, following is a look at the 5 biggest takeaways from it.
#5 The Sun has set on Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh could have been the greatest T20 cricketer, but for some reason it never materialised for him. In 2018, watching him play T20 cricket is painful for the viewer, and damaging fo his team. Virender Sehwag, before the tournament, said that Yuvraj could single-handedly win them matches, but there was always the risk of Yuvraj costing them matches, and we saw that last night.
Walking in at 32/2, Yuvraj lasted only 4 deliveries making 4 runs. More than the runs, it was the mode of dismissal that must trouble the KXIP management. Yuvraj was roughed up by the short deliveries from Umesh Yadav, and the fuller one knocked his stumps down. Yuvraj made a laboured 12 in the first match, and has looked at sea till now.
KXIP has good bench strength and if they want to make progress in this tournament, they would need to take a call on Yuvraj Singh sooner than later.