Dubai: A terrific combined bowling effort from RCB restricted KKR to 84/8 — their second lowest total in IPL histoy. RCB then comfortably chased down the target with 39 balls to spare, climbing to the second spot in the points table. Siraj was the wrecker-in-chief for RCB, finishing with figures of 3-8.
Chahal managed 2 wickets while Sundar and Saini also got a wicket apiece.
A happy RCB skipper Kohli said, ‘It was a late call to be honest (to give Siraj the new ball). Was thinking of giving Washy. When we got here, we saw the surface, it looked drier. At the toss I said that it was a good toss to lose. We would have batted first but the pitch just seemed to look much better under lights. We had the option of the plan to start with Washi and bring Morris in the second over, then we thought let’s give Siraj the new ball with Morris. Let him set the tone and then let Siraj try and swing the ball. I obviously have thought about the things we can do on the field. The management have brought in a proper culture’.
‘We have a plan A, we have a plan B, and people are executing it that’s why it’s looking good. Contrary to the public belief, I don’t think a lot of people have belief in RCB. I do, guys in the changeroom do and that’s all that matters. We are just here to execute our plans in place. We do have the skills. You can have the best players in the world but if you don’t have the belief then you won’t have results on the field. Morris is loving the responsibility. He likes to be in a leadership role within the team. Even against Kings, he tried to york Gayle, that showed heart. He never loses belief and that’s contagious. His energy is amazing. A great, great addition to our squad. (On Siraj’s performance) Last year he had a tough year. Lot of people went quite hard at him. This time around he worked hard, he was really determined. He’s seeing the result now and we want him to continue.’
Man of the Match, Siraj, said, ‘Was bowling with the new ball a lot in practice, got the opportunity today. Mood in the camp is great. Everyone is supporting each other, talking to each other. Cherished the delivery to Rana, came out exactly as I had thought.’