IPL-Winning Coach Shows 'Predictable RCB' The Mirror For Flawed Plan vs CSK

Former SunRisers Hyderabad coach Tom Moody has lashed out at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after their defeat to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the opening match of IPL 2024 on Friday. Moody was critical of the RCB bowlers for bowling too many short balls, saying that the Faf du Plessis-led side became "predictable" with their planning. The likes of Alzarri Joseph and Cameron Green targetted Shivam Dube with short deliveries throughout their spells. Despite struggling initially, Dube smashed an unbeaten 34 to take CSK across the finishing line.

Moody suggested that RCB became "predictable" with their short-ball tactics, adding that they can't use it all the time.

"The art of bowling short balls well is not being predictable with it. And i thought they were predictable with that plan (vs CSK). Yes, Dube has got a potential grey area when it comes to the short ball, but you've got to use it as a surprise. You can't use it nearly every single ball. It's nearly like every ball he faced against the pace bowlers was short. When he first came to the crease, what did they do? They did the right thing to bring Joseph into the attack, their fastest bowler. But again, he became predictable bowling short all the time. Because, he'll put away a few boundaries with that short ball," Moody said on ESPNcricinfo.

Coming back to the match, CSK were able to chase down 174 comfortably on a good batting track. CSK pacer Mustafizur Rahman produced his best IPL figures of 4-29 to make the difference.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Anuj Rawat (48) and Dinesh Karthik (38*) RCB's score to 173/6. In reply, a brisk start from Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell's back-to-back sixes, Ajinkya Rahane's composure and the Dube-Ravindra Jadeja