Royal Challengers Bangalore Blog

Zak confident of making a comeback to Team India

2013-05-19T13:58:20+00:00

Zaheer Khan has made his comeback to competitive cricket and how!

Zak put in a terrific performance with the ball, as he picked up 4/17 against the Chennai Super Kings in a rain curtailed game at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday and helped RCB prolong their quest for the elusive playoff spot in the 2013 IPL.Zaheer Khan has made his comeback to competitive cricket and how!

Zak put in a terrific performance with the ball, as he picked up 4/17 against the Chennai Super Kings in a rain curtailed game at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday and helped RCB prolong their quest for the elusive playoff spot in the 2013 IPL.

Zaheer, who was out for most part of the ongoing IPL owing to an injury layoff, looked in great form as he had the Chennai batsmen in all sorts of trouble and bowled like he used to in his prime.

So after the match winning performance against Chennai, ‘Zak’, as he is popularly known opened up to ‘IPLT20.com’, you can find the full interview here, about getting back to competitive cricket after injuries, RCB’s young pacer Jaydev Unadkat and of course about his much thought of comeback to Team India!

IPL 2013 is almost about to end and it (the match against Chennai) was only your second game of the tournament so far (Zaheer could not play earlier due to a calf injury), so how do you feel after making a comeback to competitive cricket?

The injury was obviously frustrating for it made me miss out on all the important RCB matches played earlier. But the decision to make a comeback so late into the tournament was purely a mutual one taken by the trainer, physio and me, for it is always better to play cricket after fully recovering from an injury rather than rushing matters and trying to get more playing time.

Fitness wise how are you feeling now?

Much better. Though I still have a long way to go before I attain complete fitness, my long term aim is to put in serious work on my form and fitness levels post the IPL and try and make a comeback to Team India!

Did you mentor the other young pacers while not in action for RCB earlier?

Yes, as a senior member of the team I did guide pacers like Jaydev Unadkat while recovering from my injury, for I always aim to put in 100 percent in whatever I do whether be it on or off the field!

What is your opinion about Unadkat, especially since Wasim Akram has rated him highly?

Unadkat is a player who holds promise and will definitely do well in the future. Though he made his Test debut as a 19 year old in 2010 (against South Africa), he definitely has things looking up for him given the efforts he is putting in currently. When he was initially with the Kolkata Knight Riders (2011), he was still comparatively raw with only little experience of competitive cricket. But his recent stint in First Class cricket has helped him mature as a player, which is evident by his impressive performance in IPL 2013.

Do you think RP Singh can make an India comeback too?

Why not! RP Singh is a key member of the RCB team and has always given us important wickets in crucial matches. The aim for him would be playing more matches and of course concentrate on fitness, which is very important for any fast bowler.

And last but not the least, your views about Virat Kohli as RCB captain?

Virat has matured both as a player and captain and it shows in his recent performances. He lead the team excellently against Chennai on Saturday and this stint as RCB captain will definitely help him in his performances for Team India as well.

The rise of Cheteshwar Pujara

2013-05-17T10:01:54+00:00

Cheteshwar Pujara’s name is synonymous with Test cricket.

Pujara, who has a batting style similar to the legendary Rahul Dravid, proved that he can adapt to T20 cricket as well during his classy 51 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Kings XI Punjab during an IPL game at Mohali.

Cheteshwar Pujara’s name is synonymous with Test cricket.

Pujara, who has a batting style similar to the legendary Rahul Dravid, proved that he can adapt to T20 cricket as well during his classy 51 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Kings XI Punjab during an IPL game at Mohali.

An integral part of India’s recent 4-0 test whitewash of the Aussies at home, Pujara has been touted as Dravid’s successor after scoring 493 runs at an average of 83.80 in that memorable series. His classy 204, replete with technically correct shots in the Hyderabad test brought back memories of Dravid batting in his prime. Though Pujara denies being anywhere near Dravid in terms of the latter’s cricketing abilities, scoring 1180 runs in 13 tests for India surely speaks volumes of his talent.

Pujara was coached by father Arvind, a former Saurashtra cricketer, from the age of 8 at the Railway Grounds in Rajkot. A stint with Karsan Ghavri’s cricket academy in Mumbai helped Pujara develop himself as a specialist batsman, with Ghavri marking out Pujara as a future talent to be reckoned with.

His first significant knock in age group cricket came in 2000-01 when he scored a massive 306* against Baroda in West Zone’s U-14 tournament. Pujara stayed at the crease for 516 minutes during that marathon knock and created a national record.

But his most cherished memory has to be the 2005 Hill Shield Tournament, when he cracked 4 centuries in 5 matches and led his school Rameshbhai Chhaya (Rajkot) to the title.

More success followed for Pujara after he graduated to First Class cricket in late 2005, as he scored runs by the dozen for Saurashtra (6440 runs in 79 matches) and was soon being considered as a future India prospect by the selectors.

Pujara made his Test debut for India against Australia in the 2010 Bangalore Test but couldn’t build on it in South Africa. Put out of action due to an injury, he was sorely missed in India’s tours to West Indies, England and Australia in 2011-12 where batting failures led to poor results.

He made a cracking return in the home series against New Zealand in 2012, was the lone bright spot in India’s home loss against England and proved his consistency by dominating the Australians in 2013. He even showed how easily he could switch gears to pile up big scores in a hurry, prompting the selectors to name him in the ODI squad to face England.

Blessed with nimble footwork, solid technique and a wonderful mind for the game, Pujara is a batsman in the classic mould, playing the waiting game, and is equally adept off both the front and backfoot.

Fondly nicknamed ‘Chintu’ by his teammates, Pujara is also a voracious reader and loves playing video games.

For a boy who aspired to play cricket for India, Pujara certainly has come a long way in his career so far and hopes to reach even greater heights in the years to come by.

Till then India may just look upon the ‘New Dravid’ in the making!

Which EPL team is RCB?

2013-05-16T10:41:11+00:00

If there ever was to be a parallel between the English Premier League and the Indian Premier League, then the Royal Challengers Bangalore can definitely be called as the ‘Arsenal of Cricket!’

If there ever was to be a parallel between the English Premier League and the Indian Premier League, then the Royal Challengers Bangalore can definitely be called as the ‘Arsenal of Cricket!’

If Virat Kohli is the rock solid Thomas Vermaelen then head coach Ray Jennings makes for the perfect Arsene Wenger.

Put in Chris Gayle as the explosive Theo Walcott and AB de Villiers for the clinical Lukas Podolski then we have a cricket team which bears an uncanny resemblance to the Premier League giants.

Now, though Cricket and Football are two sports as different as chalk and cheese, comparing teams from two of the most popular leagues in world sport may not be a bad idea at all, since RCB have their fair share of competition in the IPL similar to what the Gunners face week in and week out in the EPL.

Though the lack of silverware in both teams’ cabinet is a glaring aspect, nevertheless RCB follow the same philosophy as the Gunners do in the EPL, that is playing and winning beautifully.

Arsenal are famous for their ‘pick and groom young’ methodology, which is somewhat similar to RCB buying many young players including KL Rahul and Sheldon Jackson in the pre-IPL player auctions.

If we bring in the local angle then a good comparison would be that of RCB’s medium pacer Vinay Kumar and the Gunners’ left back Kieran Gibbs.

Both Vinay Kumar and Gibbs can be counted as players who have come up from the youth system and have made a mark for themselves in their respective teams.

Vinay Kumar, part of Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy squad made his breakthrough in T20 cricket courtesy some great performances in the domestic circuit which prompted RCB to offer him an IPL contract in 2008, whereas Gibbs also made a mark for himself in Arsenal’s famed youth academy and later made it as a first team regular.

Also the Gunners’ UEFA Champions League history and RCB’s ‘Champions League T20’ form has similarities, with both teams having finished as finalists once, Arsenal in 2005 and RCB in 2011.

If Manchester United were Arsenal’s biggest rivals in the Premier League then the red and gold fans will point at southern neighbours Chennai Super Kings as the team we love to go up against.

Though the RCB-Chennai matches have a long way to go before reaching the heights of the famed United-Arsenal rivalries, still games between the two franchises always turn out to be entertaining contests.

Going by the trend, we could see some similarities in the choice of celebrations in the IPL as well -Kohli celebrating with a Vermaelen styled fist pump or AB de Villiers flying like Walcott to celebrate another stupendous chase.

So, according to you which football club is RCB?

Cometh the hour, cometh the man: Virat Kohli

2013-05-15T12:50:28+00:00

As the Royal Challengers Bangalore prepare for a must win game against the Chennai Super Kings on Saturday, great things are expected of skipper Virat Kohli.

As the Royal Challengers Bangalore prepare for a must win game against the Chennai Super Kings on Saturday, great things are expected of skipper Virat Kohli.

Billed as a ‘do or die’ clash for RCB, Kohli will need some of his famous resilience as his side look to beat Chennai and qualify for the playoffs provided the Rajasthan Royals do them a favour by beating the Sunrisers Hyderabad!

Though beating Chennai is easier said than done, it certainly is not an impossible task given RCB’s superb batting form.

Kohli has had a great run in the tournament so far (578 runs), and has delivered with the bat in tight situations, as was evident during his knock of 99 against the Delhi Daredevils which helped RCB put up a match-winning total.

With an in form batting lineup at his disposal, the only matter of concern for Kohli would be RCB’s bowling form which has been patchy to say the least. It would be interesting to see how Kohli handles his bowlers on Saturday against a strong, in-form Chennai batting line up.

Michael ‘Mr Cricket’ Hussey has been on a scoring spree throughout the 2013 IPL and is currently second in the overall run scorers list (640 runs). Also the good form of Suresh Raina (466 runs) and MS Dhoni (374 runs) has left Kohli with a massive challenge on Saturday.

Kohli can take inspiration from his epic 183 against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup, as he helped India ###### a famous win against their arch rivals. Another one of those high flying knocks may just be the need of the hour for RCB as they gear up for what is probably their match of the tournament.

So as they say ‘cometh the hour and cometh the man’, it remains to be seen as to whether Kohli can do justice to that age old saying with a match winning knock on Saturday. If he does succeed, then it may just be the start of good things to come for the prospective India skipper!

Quick fire stats: Chris Gayle

2013-05-15T12:34:28+00:00

As the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Chris Gayle leads the IPL batting charts with his 680 runs scored in the tournament so far, the giant West Indian opener has racked up quite a few records enroute to holding the ‘Orange Cap’.

As the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Chris Gayle leads the IPL batting charts with his 680 runs scored in the tournament so far, the giant West Indian opener has racked up quite a few records enroute to holding the ‘Orange Cap’.

Gayle, a ‘T20 great’, created a few more records during his superb knock of 77 against the Kings XI Punjab on Tuesday.

Here is a quick list of records which the giant West Indian holds after Tuesday’s match against Punjab!

5484: is the magical number which Gayle holds as he is currently the leading run scorer in the history of ‘T20’ cricket.

Gayle eclipsed Australia’s Brad Hodge, who earlier held the record with 5447 runs during Tuesday’s match!

1076: is the number of T20 runs scored by Gayle in 2013.

Also, Gayle holds the inenviable record of having scored 1000 or more runs in 1 year, in 3 consecutive years of T20 cricket!

680: is the number of runs Gayle has scored in the 2013 IPL which is the second highest run tally by any batsman in the history of the IPL.

Gayle is himself the highest run getter with 733 runs in IPL 2012!

566: is the number of runs Gayle has scored in all against Punjab.

Gayle became the first batsman in IPL history to aggregate 500 runs or more against a particular opposition!

BMTC to operate extra buses to the Chinnaswamy tomorrow

2013-05-13T09:55:22+00:00

On wake of the Royal Challengers Bangalore's IPL match against the Kings XI Punjab on Tuesday, the 'Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation' has decided to operate extra buses since fans are expected to travel to the Chinnaswamy Stadium in large numbers.On wake of the Royal Challengers Bangalore's IPL match against the Kings XI Punjab on Tuesday, the 'Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation' has decided to operate extra buses since fans are expected to travel to the Chinnaswamy Stadium in large numbers.

'Big 10' services will be made available for fans from 2 PM onwards from all parts of the city.

Here is a list of the 'Big 10' routes.

G-1 From Kadugodi Bus station.

G-2 From Sarajpura.

G-3 From Electronics City.

G-4 From Bannerghatta National Park.

G-5 From Kaggalipura.

G-6 From Kengeri, KHB quarters.

G-7 From Janapriya Township.

G-8 From Nelamangala.

G-9 From Yelahanka Satellite Town.

G-10 From Ramakrishna Hegde Nagar.

G-11 From Bagalur.

G-12 From Hoskote.

The slower ball is my strength: Jaydev Unadkat

2013-05-12T07:39:00+00:00

After helping the Royal Challengers Bangalore to a crucial win over the Delhi Daredevils with a five wicket haul, Jaydev Unadkat has proved that the IPL is not all about hitting fours and sixes by the dozen.

After helping the Royal Challengers Bangalore to a crucial win over the Delhi Daredevils with a five wicket haul, Jaydev Unadkat has proved that the IPL is not all about hitting fours and sixes by the dozen.

Unadkat, who used the slower delivery to great effect against Delhi speaks about his bowling strengths, RCB's chances of reaching the playoffs and bowling in the death overs.

Here are excerpts from his interview to 'IPLT20.com'. You can find the full interview here.

Did you have a predetermined game plan against any specific batsmen like Mahela Jayawardene and Virender Sehwag?

There was no specific plan made against a particular batsman. The only plan before the game was to bowl in the right areas and try to get crucial wickets by building up pressure. Getting Jayawardene and Sehwag out early was instrumental in our victory.

Sehwag looked in good form so how did you manage to get him out?

The wicket looked dry and with the two openers (Jayawardene and Sehwag) timing the ball really well, it was crucial for me to remove the pace off the ball by bowling slower deliveries which ultimately did the trick.

Did you feel pressure while bowling the final over?

I never felt pressure since I had bowled well earlier. Irfan Pathan was looking good and my only plan was to bowl six good balls in the over which I did.

How will this win improve RCB's chances in the points standings?

It was a very close game and the win is important for our chances of making it to the playoffs. Since we had lost from a winning position against the Kings XI Punjab, we were motivated enough not to allow it to happen once again.

What are your bowling strengths?

My bowling strength is the 'Yorker'. I also love to mix up deliveries and bowl the slower one occasionally.

Gayl’ishious’!

2013-05-10T09:25:54+00:00

After lighting up the 2013 IPL with some power packed batting, West Indian Chris Gayle is all set to cook up another record, that of a dish named after him!

After lighting up the 2013 IPL with some power packed batting, West Indian Chris Gayle is all set to cook up another record, that of a dish named after him!

Gayle's RCB team mate Zaheer Khan is probably the one who came up with the idea of having a dish named after the giant opener, after his exploits have almost led Bangalore to a semifinal spot this season.

Gayle who was present at the inauguration of Zaheer’s new sports entertainment lounge, ‘TOSS’ in Pune, confirmed that a dish was to be named after him, and may probably be priced at Rs 175, the runs he had scored while battering the Pune Warriors.

‘TOSS’ is Zaheer’s third venture into the sports entertainment business and we sure hope it really does as well as Gayle has done with the bat this season! Check out all the photos of the grand opening of the TOSS Sports Lounge here.

Adaptability is the key: Cheteshwar Pujara

2013-05-07T13:12:23+00:00

Despite being out of cricketing action for more than a month, Saurashtra’s Cheteshwar Pujara made his comeback in fine fashion, albeit in the T20 version of the game.Despite being out of cricketing action for more than a month, Saurashtra’s Cheteshwar Pujara made his comeback in fine fashion, albeit in the T20 version of the game.

Pujara, who is considered as a ‘Test’ batsman, struck a fine half century for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Kings XI Punjab in an IPL game on Monday, and proved that he can adapt to the ‘Slam Bang’ version of the game as well.

Though a late David Miller assault took the game away from RCB, Pujara opens up with ‘IPL T20.com’ about IPL, Chris Gayle and switching from Test to T20 cricket.

Q) How do you feel after scoring your maiden IPL fifty?

A) I was feeling a bit shaky at the start of the innings, but with Chris(Gayle) looking in fine knick at the other end, I could take time to play my shots. Also, a stint at the NCA(National Cricket Academy) really helped me get back to full fitness after the injury.

Q) Is Chris Gayle the ideal opening partner?

A) He really hits the ball well. Having him as the opening partner is a big plus, for he can dominate the opposition bowling with ease, which takes the pressure of scoring runs quickly off your back.

Q) How did you make the switch from Test to T20 cricket?

A) Adaptability is the key.Though the basic technique of batting remains the same, you need to have the ability to score quick runs in T20 cricket, for that is what is really required in this version of the game.

Q) How is Virat Kohli as captain?

A) Kohli is a supportive captain and batsman, and always encourages us to give it our best shot. Playing under Kohli is really a good learning experience as he makes up for a wonderful colleague as well!

Q) Did you get inspired by Rahul Dravid?

A) Yes, Dravid has always been an inspiration for me, as despite not being a classic T20 player, he has adapted his technique and succeeded in this format of the game as well!

Chris Gayle can put your best laid plans to rest: Daniel Vettori

2013-05-06T12:09:57+00:00

Daniel Vettori is one of the best ever spin bowlers to have graced modern day cricket but the wily spinner will readily tell you that he is incredibly lucky to have Chris Gayle as his teammate at Royal Challengers Bangalore since he does not have to bowl to the burly West Indian opener in an IPL game.Daniel Vettori is one of the best ever spin bowlers to have graced modern day cricket but the wily spinner will readily tell you that he is incredibly lucky to have Chris Gayle as his teammate at Royal Challengers Bangalore since he does not have to bowl to the burly West Indian opener in an IPL game.

Despite his international experience, Vettori has been waiting on the sidelines this season with Kartik Murali and Muttiah Muralitharan getting preference ahead of the Kiwi. But ‘Harry Potter’, as Vettori is popularly known, has not allowed his being ‘benched’ to put him down and he exuded optimism in a recent interview with the ‘Times of India’.

Here are a few excerpts from the interview.

How to beat Chris Gayle

Be on the same team as Gayle! Being a left hander, he will definitely relish playing left arm spin, and I am lucky not bowling to him in a competitive match. When Gayle is on song, he can put to rest your best laid plans as he has the ability to win a match single-handedly.

Virat Kohli as RCB captain

Kohli is an exuberant skipper and always brings the best out of the team. His competitive nature holds the team in good stead and it may just about lead RCB to the IPL title this year.

On RCB’s away form

Yes it is a record which we definitely need to improve upon. Though we did win against Pune away, doing it in the rest of the group matches is a must- must if we really want to make it to the final.

On not playing even once this season

It had to happen when there is Muralitharan in the team (laughs). But frankly speaking, a veteran like Muralitharan will only help inspire the other young players in the team, considering the vast amount of experience he has in international cricket.

On the young guns in the side

They are really improving. Saurabh Tiwary (who was recently criticized for a poor run in the IPL) has made critics eat their words with a fine knock against Pune, and such performances from youngsters really augur well for Indian cricket as a whole.