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Kuldeep Reveals DC's Middle-Over Wicket Plan That Crushed RCB's Hopes

Kuldeep Yadav highlighted how Delhi Capitals' bowlers adjusted their lengths and pace on a slowing Bengaluru wicket to stage a comeback after RCB's powerful start. He emphasized the critical plan of targeting wickets in the middle overs to apply pressure on the batting side, especially on a small ground like the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The dismissals of Phil Salt and Tim David by Axar Patel, along with Kuldeep's own wicket of Romario Shepherd, triggered a dramatic RCB collapse from 105/3 to 175/8. Despite a shaky start to their chase, DC secured a six-wicket win thanks to key partnerships and a final-over flourish.

Key Points: Kuldeep Yadav on DC's Bowling Plan vs RCB: Pick Wickets in Middle

  • DC clawed back after RCB's strong start
  • Kuldeep stressed varying pace and length
  • Wickets of Salt and David were crucial
  • Small Chinnaswamy ground demands continuous wickets
3 min read

'Pick wicket in the middle to put pressure on opposition,' Kuldeep revea's on DC's bowling plan vs RCB

Kuldeep Yadav explains Delhi Capitals' strategy of taking wickets in middle overs to pressure RCB, leading to a thrilling IPL victory in Bengaluru.

"It's very important to pick the wicket in the middle... you're putting pressure on the team. - Kuldeep Yadav"

Bengaluru, April 19

India's prime spinner Kuldeep Yadav underlined the importance of picking wickets in the middle overs and reading conditions well after his side Delhi Capitals pulled off a thrilling six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

RCB looked set for a big total after racing through the powerplay, but DC's bowlers clawed their way back by adjusting their lengths and pace on a surface that gradually slowed down.

"Obviously we started not really well. I thought they batted well in the first five or six overs. We knew the wicket is a bit slower side," Kuldeep said in a video released by IPL on X. "Especially, I was talking to Axar because the length was very important, and trying to vary the pace. Understanding who's batting and what sort of strength they have. Someone like Phil, he's a very left-side-dominated player, so we tried to keep him away. He's just pushing it wide," he explained.

The turning point came in the middle overs when DC struck in quick succession. Salt's dismissal triggered a slowdown, and skipper Axar Patel further dented RCB by removing Devdutt Padikkal and Tim David, while Kuldeep himself chipped in with the key wicket of Romario Shepherd.

"We got the wicket of Phil and then Akshar, an important wicket of Tim David at that situation. And then obviously he brought me for Romario. It's very important to pick the wicket," Kuldeep said.

From a strong 105/3, RCB slipped to 175/8, managing just 29 runs in the last five overs as DC's bowlers, including T Natarajan, Lungi Ngidi, and Mukesh Kumar, executed their plans to perfection.

Kuldeep believes that taking continuous wickets is crucial, especially on a short ground like the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where momentum can shift rapidly.

"Whenever I played here, the first thing that came to my mind was to pick the wicket in the middle. If I get one wicket, obviously, you are at the top of your rhythm at that time. And if you get another one, you're putting pressure on the team. So that was my plan, especially playing here. Small ground, you can turn things in your side," he added.

Speaking of the match, chasing 176, DC were rocked early by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, slipping to 18/3 at the end of the third over. However, KL Rahul (57) and Tristan Stubbs (60 not out) stitched a crucial 76-run partnership to revive the innings.

The game once again tightened in the death overs, but David Miller's experience proved decisive as he smashed two sixes and a four in the final over to take DC home with a ball to spare.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Bengaluru, it's painful to see RCB lose another close one at home. But you have to give credit where it's due. DC's bowlers executed their plans perfectly. Kuldeep identifying Phil Salt's weakness was a masterstroke.
V
Vikram M
The real hero was the bowling unit adjusting to the slowing pitch. Natarajan, Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar - all bowled to a plan. In IPL, it's not just about individual brilliance but team strategy. DC showed that today. Well played!
R
Rohit P
While the bowling plan was good, let's not forget the batting collapse from RCB. From 105/3 to 175/8 is unacceptable at Chinnaswamy. The middle order needs to show more responsibility. Credit to DC, but RCB lost this more than DC won it.
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Priya S
KL Rahul and Stubbs' partnership was the game-changer for me. After being 18/3, that was a brilliant recovery. Shows the importance of having a solid Indian core in the batting lineup. David Miller finishing it was just the icing on the cake! 🔥
M
Michael C
Interesting tactical insight from Kuldeep. In T20, we often talk about containing runs, but he emphasizes wickets as the primary method of control, especially on a ground with short boundaries. Smart cricket.

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