3 key takeaways from RCB's batting against MI in the season's opener

Even though Harshal Patel stole the show against MI in the season’s opener, RCB’s batting was equally eye-catching. The skipper Virat Kohli looked in fine touch with the bat. Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell also played a brilliant cameo of 38, in which he amassed his 1st six in 2 years in the IPL. Lastly, AB de Villiers was at his brilliant best in RCB’s successful run chase against MI. That said, here are 3 key takeaways  from RCB’s batting against Mumbai in the season’s opener:

3. Kohli kept finding the boundary consistently

RCB lost Washington Sundar after his careless shot was caught by Chris Lynn. However, Kohli kept RCB in the game as he consistently fetched runs for his side. Rajat Patidar had no answer to Trent Boult’s delivery and got out for just 8 runs. In the powerplay overs, RCB had 46 runs, thanks to their skipper Virat Kohli. Even though Kohli only scored 33 runs, his smart batting ensured that RCB had the edge over MI throughout the course of the innings. 

2. Maxwell’s superb debut for RCB

Another key positive for RCB’s batting was the revival of Australian Glenn Maxwell. RCB roped in Maxwell in the IPL 2021 auction for 14.25 cr. There were a lot of expectations from Maxwell coming into his debut game for RCB. This time, the all-rounder did not disappoint. Maxwell and Kohli’s solid partnership of 51 helped RCB mount the pressure on the bowling side. In his innings, Maxwell hit 3 fours and 2 sixes, amassing a total of 39 runs in just 28 balls. Unfortunately, Maxwell was dismissed by Marco Jansen as RCB needed 60 runs off the final 40 balls. 

1. AB de Villiers saves the day for RCB

Yet again, AB de Villiers bailed out RCB with his match-winning knock of 48 off just 27 balls. The South African did not get help from the likes of Dan Christian and Shahbaz Ahmed, who were dismissed cheaply. However, rarely has de Villiers needed any reinforcements. Taking matters into his own hands, de Villiers sent Rahul Chahar to the cleaners. In a game-changing over, Chahar was smacked for 15 runs, as de Villiers swayed the game in RCB’s favour. Eventually, de Villiers got out for 48. However, till then, RCB needed only 2 runs off the remaining 2 balls. In the last balls of the match, Harshal Patel took a single as RCB won a dramatic match by 2 wickets.

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