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Key Points

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continues to struggle with home match performances in IPL 2025, losing their third consecutive home game. Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar highlighted significant concerns about the pitch conditions at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The team was reduced to 95/9 in a rain-curtailed match against Punjab Kings, with Tim David's half-century providing a minor respite. Despite the challenges, RCB remains fourth in the points table with eight points from seven matches.

Key Points: RCB's Home Woes Persist IPL 2025 Pitch Struggles

  • RCB loses third straight home match in IPL 2025
  • Pitch conditions unexpectedly challenging for batting
  • Tim David's half-century saves team from total collapse
  • Punjab Kings wins by five wickets
2 min read

IPL 2025: They'd be worried with the surfaces they're getting, says Bangar on RCB's winless run at home

Sanjay Bangar analyzes RCB's challenging home performance, highlighting unexpected pitch conditions and batting struggles in IPL 2025

"They'd be worried, to be honest, with the kind of surfaces they're getting - Sanjay Bangar"

New Delhi, April 19

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar feels that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) should be worried about the kind of surface they are getting at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium which resulted in their third straight loss at the home venue in the IPL 2025 season.

RCB lost to Punjab Kings by five wickets in a rain-reduced encounter where the home batters were reduced to 95/9 in 14 overs on Friday. Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar bagged two scalps each.

In reply, Nehal Wadhera's 19-ball 33 decorated with three sixes and as many fours powered Punjab to its fifth win of the season. The result kept RCB waiting for their first home win of the season.

Bangar also highlighted that RCB need to recalibrate their batting approach to get things back on track in home fixtures.

"They'd be worried, to be honest, with the kind of surfaces they're getting. Who would've expected the amount of bounce that was on offer on this pitch? Nobody expected that. If that continues, this is no longer a batting-friendly surface or venue. RCB may need to recalibrate their batting approach to get things back on track in home games," Bangar said on JioHotstar.

While breaking down RCB's batting collapse, Bangar expressed disappointment with how Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma and Krunal Pandya lost their wickets at a crucial juncture of the match. The veteran also lauded Tim David for his half-century off 26 balls to steer the side to 95/9 in 14 overs.

"A couple of early dismissals were understandable - they were trying to set a good score, and in a rain-curtailed game, you don't really have a clear idea of what's enough. But the way Livingstone and Jitesh got out, and you'd expect a little more from Krunal Pandya as well - those three were disappointing. At one point, they were in danger of being bowled out for under 50. Credit to Tim David though - he held on and made a bit of a match out of it with a well-composed drift," he said.

With eight points in seven matches, RCB sit at fourth spot in the points table and will take on Punjab Kings in the reverse fixture at the New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh on Sunday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
As an RCB fan, this is painful to watch season after season 😔 The Chinnaswamy used to be our fortress, now it feels like our biggest weakness. Time for some serious introspection from the management!
P
Priya M.
Bangar makes a great point about the surfaces. If the pitch isn't favoring your batting strength, why not adapt? Other teams manage to win on different surfaces. Maybe RCB needs to focus more on all-round development rather than just big hitters.
A
Arjun S.
Tim David was the only silver lining in that match! His 50 off 26 was class when everyone else collapsed. More players need to show that kind of temperament under pressure. #RCB #IPL2025
S
Sneha R.
Respectfully disagree with Bangar here - the pitch is the same for both teams! PBKS batters managed fine. RCB's problem seems more about shot selection and lack of patience. Too many reckless shots early on.
V
Vikram J.
This is why IPL is the best league in the world! Even home teams can't take wins for granted. Every match is unpredictable and exciting 🏏 Can't wait for Sunday's rematch!

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