IPL 2024: Brian Lara, Ambati Rayudu Weigh in on Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Woes

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) find themselves at seventh position in the IPL 2024 points table as they have suffered four defeats in five games in this season. The performance of the franchise has once again left fans disappointed.

Cricketing legends Brian Lara and Ambati Rayudu shared their insights on RCB's performance and composition in this season. In an exclusive conversation during the 'Star Sports Press Room', as part of the 'Rivalry Week on Star', Brian Lara expressed his concerns about RCB's structural problems, particularly highlighting their batting order.

Lara - the West Indies batting great - pointed out that while Mumbai Indians (MI) seem to be finding their rhythm, RCB is struggling to field the right combination. He emphasised the importance of a well-defined batting order and suggested that MI might have an edge in the upcoming clash due to their clearer strategy.

"MI is getting into a little bit of form with a recent victory. It was great to see Romario Shepherd, the West Indian, do well. I think their timing was very well. RCB is facing more of a structural problem, their form is okay. But I don't think that they have the right team out in the middle. I don't think that they have the right batting order. MI knows their batting order. SKY played a bit out of form, he hasn't scored any runs. I think they're in a better position to really press this rivalry into their favour."

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu echoed Lara's sentiments, reminiscing about past encounters with RCB and emphasising the need for teams to adapt and perform consistently against formidable opponents like RCB. However, Rayudu noted a shift in dynamics, suggesting that RCB may not pose the same level of challenge as they did in the past.

"It especially does, when you're playing against RCB, and you see them all pumped up. You tend to get your best cricket on that day. It happens, and also there has been a case where even if you play at your best, teams like RCB, back in the day, can beat you. I don't think it's the case anymore."

Lara further delved into RCB's challenges, emphasizing the need for the team to leverage local talent effectively. He pointed out the case of Mahipal Lomror, who despite performing well, hasn't consistently featured in the playing XI.

The Prince of Port of Spain stressed the importance of balancing international and local talent, indicating that relying solely on international stars may not guarantee success in the IPL. He advocated for greater inclusion of local players in critical game situations.

"It is Mumbai's best chance to play because they've solved a few problems. Suryakumar Yadav is back on the field; he did not contribute the other day, but the fact that he's back on the field makes them a much stronger unit.

"RCB is still searching to find what their best form is, their best team. And a player like Mahipal Lomror, who I think has done everything asked of him, came as an impact player, did well and still did not play in the match against the Rajasthan Royals. I think they should just shift their attention a lot more to the local talent.

He added further, "A lot of emphasis is placed on the international talent, and what they can do and how many matches they can win for RCB. Of course, you've got Virat Kohli, but I think they've truly got good local talent, and you cannot win an IPL trophy without performances from the local stars. I'd like to see them included more in critical moments of the game."

Rayudu - who has won five IPL trophies - focused on RCB's batting lineup, suggesting a reevaluation of their approach. He proposed a longer batting order, with key players like Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik being strategically placed to handle pressure situations towards the end of the innings. Rayudu's insights highlight the importance of tactical flexibility and utilizing resources efficiently in the IPL's high-stakes environment.

The former CSK batter stated, "RCB needs to play with a longer batting line-up, dividing their best names proportionately. You cannot have all your so-called best players at the top of the order and leave all the pressure situations for the young boys. You need to phase it out, and definitely, Glenn Maxwell needs to come at No. 6 or No. 7 and finish games along with Dinesh Karthik. I think that will serve them well going ahead into the season."