Royal Challengers Bengaluru are missing the explosive Phil Salt due to injury, and it has clearly affected their powerplay starts. Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has shared his thoughts on how RCB should adjust their batting order for the upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants.
Srikkanth believes the current opening combination of Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell is not working well. Bethell has struggled since replacing Salt, managing only 39 runs in three innings at a poor average.
Kris Srikkanth suggests ideal opener for RCB in absence of Phil Salt
On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth clearly stated that Devdutt Padikkal should open the innings alongside Kohli. He feels Padikkal, who has been in excellent form batting at number three, can bring the much-needed aggression at the top.
He suggested shifting Jacob Bethell to the middle order, where he can play more freely without the pressure of opening. Srikkanth pointed out that RCB’s middle order has been collapsing too often against quality bowling, and this change could bring better balance.
He also highlighted how Salt provided the “demolishing factor” in the powerplay. Without him, RCB are missing that explosive start which teams like SRH (with Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head) currently enjoy.
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Star batter enjoying prime form
Padikkal has been one of RCB’s consistent performers this season. Batting at No.3, he has scored at an impressive average of over 40 with a strike rate close to 188. Srikkanth feels promoting him to open makes perfect sense while Salt remains unavailable.
Srikkanth remains confident about RCB’s overall chances this season. He praised their squad balance and predicted they will definitely qualify for the playoffs, though finishing in the top two may depend on how they handle key matches.
With Kohli in superb form, the former selector believes the experienced batter holds the key, especially on slower pitches like Lucknow. He wants Kohli to play a long innings and anchor the chase or innings.
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