IPL 2019, RCB vs KKR: 3 reasons behind RCB’s morale-crushing loss

2. Southee bowling three overs in the powerplay

Tim Southee

I found this tactic to be a bit strange by Virat Kohli. Tim Southee is an experienced death overs bowler, so it was strange to see him bowl three overs in the powerplay itself.

Southee's first over went for 16 runs. After that, Kohli still decided to throw the ball to the Kiwi pacer for another two overs.

Southee would have been more useful to RCB in the death. Even though his final over was too expensive, he could have turned things around if he had bowled the 18th and 20th overs. Remember, it was the 18th over from Mohammed Siraj that turned the game in Kolkata Knight Riders’ favor.

Southee, being the most experienced bowler in the team, should have been given more responsibility in the death overs.

3. Late introduction of spin

Yuzvendra Chahal

I will never understand why RCB refuse to trust their spinners to take wickets in the powerplay. Unlike other teams that don’t hesitate to bring in the spinners to bowl in the powerplay, RCB try to avoid utilizing their spinners at all costs during the first six overs.

This tactic was questioned by fans during RCB’s previous loss against Rajasthan Royals. Despite that, RCB again took too long to attack with their spinners.

It’s quite evident that Chris Lynn can’t play spin. Hence, as soon as Narine was dismissed, Kohli should have introduced either Yuzvendra Chahal or Pawan Negi into the attack.

In the end, Lynn was dismissed by Negi, but only after he had inflicted plenty of damage already. One can only wonder what would have happened if Kohli had decided to use spin much earlier instead of waiting till the 5th over.