Not a single go-to bowler for RCB, how will they win?: Irfan Pathan

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced another setback in the IPL 2024 courtesy of their underwhelming batting performance as they lost to Rajasthan Royals (RR) by six wikcets in Jaipur on April 6, Saturday. 

Despite a stunning century from Virat Kohli, none of the RCB supported him much after being put to bat first. Meanwhile, courtesy of Jos Buttler's unbeaten ton and skipper Sanju Samson's half-century, RR effortlessly chased down the 184-run target in the final over.

With RCB suffering its fourth defeat in five games, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan explained the reasons for the team's consistent setbacks in the ongoing competition. RCB bowlers found it challenging to break the partnership between Buttler and Samson as they added 148 runs in 15 overs after losing the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Pathan stated that RCB do not have a single go-to bowler to provide them breakthroughs when needed.

Also read: 'He made a mistake there for sure' - Virender Sehwag doesn't mince words analyzing Virat Kohli's ton against RR

"There are two guys playing with the strike rate of 170+ and on the other end there is not a single wicket-taker. Not a single go to bowler for RCB. How will you win?," Pathan said in his first post on X.

There are two guys playing with the strike rate of 170+ and on the other end there is not a single wicket taker. Not a single go to bowler for RCB. How will you win? #RRvRCB

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 6, 2024

In another tweet, the 39-year-old lavished praise on Jos Buttler for his stunning century. He stressed how the Englishman reached the three-figure mark at a strike rate of 172 while also remaining unbeaten till the end. It is worth noting that Kohli was also unbeaten for RCB, but his strike rate was below 160.

"Brilliant 100 by Jos Buttler. Strike rate of 172 and seeing the team thru was an outstanding effort by him," Pathan said.

Mahipal Lomror has shown some form too: Irfan Pathan

Brilliant 💯 by Jos Buttler. Strike rate of 172 and seeing the team thru was an outstanding effort by him 👏

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 6, 2024

Irfan Pathan went on to question RCB for not including Mahipal Lomror in the playing XI. The former cricketer felt that the youngster has been one of the few in-form players for the RCB this season and must have been a part of the XI.

Also read: IPL 2024: RCB's Virat Kohli equals unwanted record amid classy century against RR

"Mahipal Lomror plays on this pitch in the domestic cricket n he wasn't part of the playing 11. He has shown some form too. Indian coaches needs to get involve in the ipl so these basic mistakes doesn't happen. This is just one example," Pathan explained.

Mahipal Lomror plays on this pitch in the domestic cricket n he wasn’t part of the playing 11. He has shown some form too. Indian coaches needs to get involve in the ipl so these basic mistakes doesn’t happen. This is just one example.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 6, 2024