'Has been the story for last 16 years' - Ambati Rayudu slams RCB's international players after poor show

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have once again faced criticism after a disappointing performance as they suffered a 28-run loss against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 2. Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu didn't mince words in his assessment of RCB's failure, pointing out the poor bowling and the inability of the star batters to deliver under pressure as the key reasons behind their loss.

After being asked to bat first, LSG opener Quinton de Kock's brilliant 81 off 56 and vice-captain Nicholas Pooran's quickfire 40* off 21 helped the visitors to post a challenging total of 181/5 RCB's run chase never really got going as they lost wickets at regular intervals and got bundled out for 153 in 19.4 overs eventually. 

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I feel their bowling always gives over-par runs: Ambati Rayudu 

Rayudu highlighted RCB's bowling resources which often give away too many runs as per him. "I feel their bowling always gives over-par runs and batting performs under par. No big-name batter is seen playing for RCB when they are under pressure. Such teams never win. This is why they have not won the IPL for so many years," Rayudu said on Star Sports

Barring a 40-run opening stand between Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, RCB's batting line-up crumbled under the pressure of LSG's disciplined bowling attack led by Mayank Yadav's 3/14. Rayudu pointed out how the responsibility eventually fell on the younger Indian batters like Rajat Patidar and Mahipal Lomror, who scored 29 and 33 respectively, while Dinesh Karthik struggled.

"All young players keep playing down the order and the big-name players go at the top and leave after eating the cake over the cream. If you see, who were the batters batting under pressure - your young Indian batters and Dinesh Karthik," Rayudu added.

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While RCB has assembled squads stacked with superstars over the years, their inability to find a balanced playing XI and contributions from the big names when it matters most has repeatedly disturbed their IPL campaign.

"Your big-name international players, who need to take the pressure, where were they? All of them were in the dressing room. This is not happening today. This has been this team's story for the last 16 years," he concluded.

After last night's defeat, the Bengaluru-based franchise is reeling at the ninth position of the points table. RCB will now fly to Jaipur for their next clash and will look for a change in fortunes going ahead in the tournament.