I don't worry that much about right and left-hand combinations: RCB DOC Mo Bobat

ANI May 17, 2025 288 views

RCB's Director of Cricket Mo Bobat shares his unconventional approach to batting lineups ahead of their IPL match. He believes the Impact Player rule makes right-left combinations less crucial than before. The league returns after a brief suspension due to geopolitical tensions. RCB currently holds second place with 16 points from 11 matches.

"I don’t worry that much about right and left-hand combinations... it almost doesn’t matter with the impact player rule." – Mo Bobat
Bengaluru, May 16: Ahead of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday, the franchise's Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, spoke about his philosophy of not worrying much about the right and left-hand combinations.

Key Points

1

Bobat focuses on bowling matchups over batting combos

2

Impact Player rule reduces reliance on left-right pairs

3

RCB sits 2nd in IPL 2025 with 8 wins

4

League resumes after week-long security pause

RCB, currently placed in the second spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with eight wins and three losses, has 16 points. It will resume the competition following a temporary suspension with a match against KKR at Bengaluru on Saturday. KKR is in sixth place with five wins, six losses, and a no result, giving them 11 points.

The IPL action was halted on May 9 for a week due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, and is set to resume from May 17.

"My own personal philosophy is that I don't worry that much about right and left-hand combinations. I know different teams view that differently. I think that since we've had the impact player rule and every team has six or seven bowlers, it almost doesn't matter if you've got right and left-handers. It just changes the bowling combination," Mo Bobat said in the pre-match press conference.

"I think in an 11 vs 11 line-up, sometimes having that left-hander in your batting order can mean that you can put one of their bowlers under pressure. I see that less as a thing now. We've seen so many times during this competition that a certain bowler type hasn't bowled their overs because there was a left-hander at the crease and they just get through fine," he added.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad for IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Mayank Agrawal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.

Reader Comments

A
Arjun K.
Interesting perspective from Mo Bobat! In T20 cricket, adaptability matters more than rigid combinations. RCB's performance this season proves his point. Though I still feel left-right combos can create matchups against certain bowlers. What do others think? #PlayBold
P
Priya M.
Finally some sense in team selection! 😊 Too many teams overthink these combinations when what really matters is players' current form. RCB's batting has been fire this season without worrying about left-right pairs. Hope they continue the momentum after the break!
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Rahul D.
While I respect Bobat's view, I disagree slightly. Left-right combinations have won crucial matches in past IPL seasons. Just look at how Dhoni used Raina-Jadeja pairings strategically. But with Impact Player rule, maybe the dynamics have changed. Good discussion point!
S
Shweta T.
More than combinations, I'm just happy IPL is resuming! The break was tense with border situation. Cricket brings people together 🇮🇳 Hope RCB continues their winning streak. Kohli looking in great touch this season! #RCB #IPL2025
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Vikram J.
Bobat's philosophy is refreshing but let's not forget RCB's bowling still looks shaky. They need to address death bowling regardless of batting combinations. 16 points is good but playoffs will need complete performance. #RCB #IPL
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Neha R.
As a long-suffering RCB fan, I'll take any strategy that gets us closer to that elusive trophy! 😅 This season feels different though - more balanced team and sensible approach. Fingers crossed for Saturday's match! #EeSaalaCupNamde

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IPL 2025 RCB Mo Bobat Delhi Capitals cricket strategy batting combinations