Rajat Patidar says getting early wickets helped RCB breach CSK fortress | Cricket News

RCB captain Rajat Patidar (BCCI Photo)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their 17-year wait to beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium; and hurting the hosts with early wickets did the trick, according to RCB skipper Rajat Patidar.
RCB restricted the five-time champions to 146 for 8 after putting up a challenging 196 for 7 on the board. Josh Hazlewood (3 for 21) got the wickets of Rahul Tripathi (5) and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (0) in the second over of CSK’s run-chase, followed by old warhorse Bhuvneshwar Kumar removing Deepak Hooda (4) to leave the home team struggling at 30 for 3 in the six overs of powerplay.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!‘
“It was game-changing because we got two-three wickets in the first six overs. Amazing to see how they kept it on the hard length because the ball wasn’t coming on to the bat easily,” Patidar said after the match. “This track was pretty helpful for spinners, so I was just keeping it in my mind that I could use my spinners at the early stage, especially (Liam) Livingstone; the way he came in and bowled four overs was incredible.”
Patidar, who earned the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his quick-fire 51 from 32 deliveries, said that he had a feeling that CSK would find the target challenging.
“If I talk about this match, it was a good total on this surface because ball was stopping a bit and it wasn’t easy for batters to hit fours and sixes. It’s always special playing in Chepauk because of the fans, the way they support their teams,” said the skipper.
“My goal was clear that as long as I was there, I would maximise every ball.”
Hazlewood ‘nice and fresh’
The Australian pacer noted that RCB has shown consistent progress following their initial seven-wicket victory against Kolkata Knight Riders at Kolkata.
“Feeling nice and fresh. As a group tonight we were outstanding, improved from our last game against KKR. Made good use of the conditions and did well as a pace and spin unit,” said the Australian.
“I think with this wicket here you get a little bit of up and down, a little two paced. The fuller ball is easier to face, so just hitting that 8-10m length.”
Hazlewood emphasised the value of having a left-arm fast bowler like Yash Dayal in the team’s bowling arsenal, noting how it enhances their overall bowling composition.
“I think having a left-armer (Yash Dayal) is crucial. Every team in the competition has a left-arm quick and his changes of pace was excellent today and he is a class act,” he said.