IPL 2023: Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Match 43 - Talking Points and Who Said What?

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) trumped Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by beating the latter by 18 runs in a low-scoring contest. In doing so, RCB earned their fifth win of the ongoing IPL 2023 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Monday, May 1.

In the first innings, RCB could only manage to post a meagre 126 runs as LSG took the slower wicket in Lucknow to their advantage. However, it was RCB's combined bowling performance that took the game away from the home team and helped the Faf du Plessis-led side clinch two crucial points. 

Here are the Talking Points from the LSG vs RCB clash-

Faf du Plessis’ delicate knock keeps RCB steady

The opening pair of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli managed to get just 42 runs in the powerplay (1-6 overs). However, LSG got the breakthroughs at regular intervals which kept RCB reeling in the first innings. Despite this, skipper Faf du Plessis kept the innings steady as he kept the scoreboard ticking and got one six and one boundary in his delicate innings of 44 off 40 balls. In doing so, the batter clinched the IPL Orange Cap with 466 runs, one day after Yashasvi Jaiswal took it over with his maiden IPL century.

Naveen-Bishnoi dazzle as LSG restrict RCB to paltry total

The surface at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow had a slower wicket on offer. LSG took advantage of the deck as spinner Ravi Bishnoi got the prized scalps of Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell. He returned impressive bowling figures of 2/21 in his four overs with an economy of 5.25. Meanwhile, Naveen-ul-Haq returned a three-wicket haul to keep LSG in the driver’s seat as the Afghan speedster dismissed Mahipal Lomror, Mohammad Siraj and Karn Sharma to register figures of 3/30 in his quota of four overs.

RCB’s spirited bowling performance blows LSG away

Halfway through the game, it belonged to the home team, considering that they had put up a solid performance in the first innings with the ball. However, RCB’s spirited bowling performance from the very beginning of the chase is what turned the game on its head. The bowling unit operated in tandem as LSG were reduced to 38/5 in under seven overs of the contest. While Josh Hazlewood and Karn Sharma got two wickets each, Siraj, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga and Harshal Patel got one wicket apiece to wrap up the innings. In doing so, RCB won the low-scoring affair by 18 runs.

Losing Captain (stand-in), Krunal Pandya said -

We did pretty well in the first half restricting them. It was a great team effort. Really happy with how we have bowled this tournament. 126, at the start of the game, we would have taken. But we just could not execute our plans. (On Rahul's injury) It is a sad thing. He pulled his hip flexor, I guess. I do not know how bad it is. The medical team will assess it.

Player of the Match and Winning Captain, Faf du Plessis said -

To have a fifty partnership in the first six overs was a match-winning partnership in the end. (Decision to bat first) Batting first was important. They had four spinners but it looked like right through, playing spin was hard work. It is a little bit easier for a captain, at the Chinnaswamy, it feels like the ball is going everywhere (smiles). I would have liked 135. In my mind, that was a really good score and we were going towards that score. Once again, if you come in on this pitch, it is really tough to score. Said to the boys that if we get two or three early wickets, it would be hard for them. I am super happy for Karn. One of those guys who does the hard work all the time but does not get the recognition. Playing at Chinnaswamy is tough for a leg-spinner. Unbelievable from him tonight. We have missed Hazlewood's experience. Someone like him brings so much calmness and composure. Nice way to ease him into the competition.