RCB Focused on LSG Challenge, Not Playoffs: Malolan Rangarajan

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are focused on their upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants, not the IPL points table. Assistant coach Malolan Rangarajan stressed the team's concentration on immediate tasks. He also backed Jitesh Sharma, highlighting the batter's experience and proactive mindset. RCB are happy with their squad balance and will adapt to conditions in Lucknow.

Key Points: RCB vs LSG: Malolan Rangarajan on Focus, Jitesh Sharma

  • RCB focused solely on LSG clash, not playoffs
  • Malolan emphasizes improving as a unit
  • Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma key options
  • Jitesh Sharma backed for his experience and impact
2 min read

"Not looking too far ahead," Malolan Rangarajan says RCB are locked in on LSG challenge

RCB assistant coach Malolan Rangarajan says team is locked on LSG game, not looking at points table. He backs Jitesh Sharma and praises squad balance.

"We can all see how the table is panning out, but we can't be distracted by what's happening with other teams. - Malolan Rangarajan"

Lucknow, May 6

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are all set to take on Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, with the side staying firmly focused on the immediate task at hand as the race for the playoffs intensifies.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, RCB Assistant Coach Malolan Rangarajan stressed that the group's attention remains solely on the clash against LSG and not on the Points Table, as per a press release from RCB.

"We can all see how the table is panning out, but we can't be distracted by what's happening with other teams. We can only focus on what we want to do, and the task we have on our hands as of now is the game against LSG tomorrow," he said.

Malolan reiterated that discussions within the camp have revolved around improving as a unit rather than looking too far ahead.

"We're always looking as a unit at how we can improve and the trends in the tournament, how we can capitalise on those things. Our focus is now on this next game," he added.

On conditions in Lucknow and whether the surface could prompt changes in combination, Malolan said, "We don't fiddle too much with our combinations. We have Krunal Pandya, who's been doing very well for us. Suyash Sharma is another option, and then we have four pacers. We're happy with the way our squad is right now, and we'll try to adapt to what we see tomorrow," he said.

Malolan also backed Jitesh Sharma, highlighting the batter's experience and proactive mindset.

"Jitesh is a very sorted individual. He knows it's not by chance that he's played for the country and been part of IPL squads for so long. He played an integral part for us last year as well," Malolan said.

"The messaging to Jitesh is that he's very aware of what he can do to help the team in any situation he goes in. That's all he's been focusing on, and that's what we've been trying to provide for him in training sessions, understanding the situations he's likely to go in and how he can impact the game for us," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Honestly refreshing to see a coaching staff not obsessing over the points table every second. It's like the team finally has some zen. But I hope they've actually thought about Lucknow's slow pitch—Green and Maxwell need to adjust their shots. #PlayBold
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Vikram M
This is exactly what Kohli and the team needed—someone who doesn't panic. Malolan's approach is professional. However, I wish they'd be more flexible with combinations. Playing four pacers on the Ekana strip? Not sure, yaar. Even a bits-and-pieces spinner could work better.
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Rohit P
Waiting for RCB fans to go from 'Ee sala cup namde' to 'Ee season qualification bhi nahi' if they lose tonight. But jokes aside, Malolan is right—focus on LSG. Krunal knows the Ekana pitch better than anyone. Could be the x-factor. 🏏
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Kavya N
One thing I appreciate is they're not throwing Jitesh under the bus. He's been struggling a bit, but backing your players is what good teams do. Reminds me of how Dhoni used to back his players. Plus, Lucknow's weather in May is brutal—hope the boys stay hydrated! 💧
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James A
As an RCB fan from overseas, I'm intrigued by the 'not fiddling with combinations' approach. In the IPL, adaptability is key. Ekana is not Chinnaswamy—you can't just blast boundaries. Hope Malolan is preparing the team for some gritty, low

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