IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag suggests changes for RCB to get back to their winning ways

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is experiencing a dream run in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They are placed at the third position on the points table with five wins from seven games played. However, a few questions have been raised on the franchise after a disappointing loss against Punjab by 34 runs.

Chasing 180 posted by PBKS on the board, the Bangalore outfit succumbed to a torrid outing as they could score only 145 runs. All the main batsmen including the likes of Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Glenn Maxwell, and AB de Villiers failed to make any positive contribution to the scoreboard.

Former Indian captain Virender Sehwag carried out a detailed analysis of RCB’s loss against Punjab and suggested the changes the team should make to return back to the winning ways. In 2021, RCB made a tactical change as skipper Virat Kohli started opening the innings alongside Devdutt. 

However, Sehwag believes that Kohli should move back to his original batting position of number three as the presence of Kohli, Maxwell, and AB in the middle-order makes RCB more intimidating and lethal. The veteran cricketer believes that RCB should include the 27-year-old Mohammed Azharuddeen as an opener.

Kohli should be No.3, with Maxwell and ABD to follow: Virender Sehwag

At present, Rajat Patidar is playing at number three but has failed to play any significant knocks with the willow. Azharuddeen made headlines with his stunning performance in the SMAT 2021 and the same resulted in RCB picking him during the auction at a base price of INR 20 lakhs.

“I think Virat should come back to his original position of number three, and consider Mohammad Azharuddin for the opening role. He looks like a better option right now than Patidar. Kohli should be No.3, with Maxwell and ABD to follow,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.

“It would mean that you will have three world-class players in the middle-order. If Devdutt Padikkal and Azharuddin don’t do the job at the top, then these three are capable enough to bail the side out of trouble,” the 42-year-old added.

The Virat Kohli-led side will now face Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium and will be hoping to return to the winning ways and top the points table once again.

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