CHAPTER 104: RAJCRAFT

RCB’s middle-over tactics revolved around structured bowling rotations, ensuring Mumbai’s batters never settled against one particular bowler. Their spin setup included:

Early spin introduction before Mumbai adjusts – Instead of waiting until over 10, RCB was bringing in spin immediately after the powerplay, catching Mumbai’s batters before they set their rhythm.

Defensive fields forcing Mumbai into calculated placements – Cutting off Mumbai’s favored run-scoring angles, especially on the leg side.

Variation in bowling speeds – Preventing Mumbai’s middle order from reading delivery patterns too easily.

Maxwell marked his run-up, preparing to execute the plan.

Maxwell fired in the first ball—flatter trajectory, drifting toward off-stump.

Rohit adjusted quickly, stepping back and guiding the ball toward deep point.

Single taken.

Mumbai wasn’t forcing anything, but their batters were ensuring movement every ball.

Next ball—slower flight, inviting an attacking shot.

Ishan hesitated, deciding against a lofted stroke, instead placing the ball toward mid-wicket for a single.

RCB had stalled Mumbai’s natural aggression, but the opposition was keeping their run rate from dropping too much.

Commentary:"RCB’s fielders are cutting off Mumbai’s strokes—they aren’t allowing acceleration, but Mumbai is ensuring steady movement!"

By over 10, Mumbai had adjusted entirely to a low-risk batting phase. But Raj knew this was exactly where RCB could tighten control even further.

Spin angles widened to push Mumbai into off-side play – Forcing them away from their stronger leg-side strokes.

Deep square-leg reinforcement to trap mistimed sweeps – Preventing Mumbai from using their late cuts effectively.

Bowler endurance testing – Making Mumbai’s batters face extended spin spells before pace returned.

RCB was dictating the chase target, ensuring Mumbai didn’t accelerate yet.

Commentary:"Mumbai’s batters are waiting for their moment—but RCB isn’t giving them one!"

Mumbai realized their scoring rate had dropped, and they couldn’t afford to delay acceleration much longer. Their captain signaled his batters—"We push now."

RCB’s bowlers remained composed.

The first ball of over 13 arrived—sharp turn, angling inward.

Ishan attempted a flick toward deep mid-wicket.

Caught at the boundary. OUT!

RCB had their breakthrough, immediately slowing Mumbai’s push.

Raj exhaled slightly.

"One gone. Now we squeeze tighter."

Commentary:"BIG MOMENT for RCB! Mumbai tried to increase their pace, but RCB forced a mistake!"

Score Update – Mumbai’s Position Before the Death Overs

Mumbai Indians – 112 for 1 (15 overs)

Rohit Sharma – 58(42), 6 fours*

Ishan Kishan (out) – 47 (34), 4 fours, 1 six

New batter in – Suryakumar Yadav

Mumbai had maintained stability, but now their middle order had to play under increased pressure.

RCB held control, but the final overs would decide the match outcome.

The tension inside the stadium had reached its peak. Mumbai stood at 112 for 1 after 15 overs, maintaining stability but yet to fully unleash their final assault. Now, with only five overs remaining, their ability to push past 180+ would decide the challenge RCB would face in the chase.

Raj adjusted his gloves, watching as Suryakumar Yadav stepped onto the pitch. This was the moment Mumbai had waited for—Suryakumar had built his reputation as a death-over specialist, capable of transforming steady innings into explosive finishes.

"We keep him contained for two overs. Then we control the chase."

RCB’s fielders tightened their positions, ensuring Mumbai didn’t launch full aggression immediately.

Mumbai had designed their final five-over approach with extreme precision, ensuring their batting setup allowed them to:

Accelerate only after stabilizing – They didn’t rush attack mode early; they timed it perfectly for their finishers.

Punish weak deliveries instantly – Any error, be it full tosses or misjudged yorkers, was converted into boundaries.

Maximize Suryakumar’s finishing ability – He wasn’t a reckless hitter; he was a calculated destroyer, knowing exactly when to escalate his stroke-play.

Raj knew RCB couldn’t allow back-to-back boundaries—Mumbai relied on momentum to increase strike aggression. The key was breaking their rhythm before it became irreversible.

Hazlewood sprinted in, delivering a tight yorker angling inward.

Suryakumar watched carefully, reached forward—and lofted it past mid-off!

Four runs.

Mumbai had begun their acceleration phase.

Next ball—short-pitched, expecting a back-foot response.

Suryakumar adjusted instantly—pulled toward square leg—BOUNDARY!

Mumbai was gaining momentum rapidly.

Commentary:"Mumbai knows their moment has arrived! RCB needs to slow them down immediately!"

Raj signaled toward Siraj.

"We force them into hesitation now."

Siraj stepped in, knowing this was the over where Bangalore had to disrupt momentum.

First ball—sharp length, cutting toward off-stump.

Suryakumar misread the bounce—EDGE TAKEN!

Caught behind! OUT!

Mumbai – 142 for 2 (16.4 overs)

Suryakumar OUT for 27 (13), early acceleration halted!

Raj clenched his fist.

"That stalls them. Now we control the death overs."

Commentary:"Brilliant from RCB! Mumbai’s biggest finisher falls at a crucial moment!"

Mumbai needed a final push. Their new batter arrived, knowing they had to compensate for Suryakumar’s dismissal.

The field was fully spread now, ensuring RCB had total coverage against aerial strokes.

First ball of over 18—slow cutter, forcing a defensive response.

Mumbai’s batter hesitated—tap toward mid-wicket—NO RUN!

RCB was applying maximum pressure now.

Commentary:"Bangalore is forcing hesitation! Mumbai can’t afford too many dot balls!"

Next ball—sharp length, cutting inward.

Mumbai reacted late—driven past covers—FOUR RUNS!

RCB adjusted immediately.

Final ball of the innings—short-pitched, pushing toward leg-side boundary.

Mumbai swung aggressively—LOFTED OVER MID-WICKET!

Six runs. Final score confirmed.

End of Mumbai’s Innings – Final Score Before RCB’s Chase

Mumbai Indians – 183 for 4 (20 overs)

Rohit Sharma – 79(52), anchoring the innings!

Suryakumar Yadav (out) – 27(13), attempted acceleration but dismissed early!

RCB successfully disrupted Mumbai’s late momentum!

Raj turned toward his teammates, scanning the scoreboard.

"183. Manageable. Now, we chase."

Commentary:"Mumbai finishes strong, but RCB has controlled the damage! Can Bangalore execute their chase flawlessly?"

Before stepping onto the biggest stage of his career—the IPL Final—Raj had already built something extraordinary beyond cricket. He wasn’t just a strategic mastermind on the field; he was an innovator

, someone who understood the intricacies of performance beyond just skill.

That’s how RajCraft was born.

RajCraft wasn’t just another sports brand. It was a revolution in cricket gear, designed with precision, durability, and athlete-focused enhancements that catered to the demands of modern cricket.

The Vision Behind RajCraft

When Raj launched RajCraft, he didn’t want it to be just another equipment company. His goal was simple:

Craft gloves, pads, and gear specifically designed for high-pressure matches – Cricket wasn’t just about hitting a ball; it was about endurance, grip, and control in intense moments.

Incorporate cutting-edge material technology – RajCraft gloves weren’t generic; they featured specialized padding, sweat-resistant grips, and flexible movement technology.

Make gear that adapts to a player’s needs – Every batter had their unique stance, grip strength, and movement patterns. RajCraft gear was designed to adjust to those specifics.

Raj himself had tested every prototype, ensuring that his own equipment wasn’t just an idea—it was an extension of his own game philosophy.

For Raj, playing in the IPL Final wasn’t just about representing RCB—it was also about showcasing the craftsmanship of RajCraft gear.

The gloves Raj wore had been designed under his own brand – Featuring extra wrist stabilization for high-pressure grips.

The pads were engineered with lightweight impact absorption – Ensuring movement wasn’t compromised while facing fast bowlers.

RCB’s younger players had begun using RajCraft products – Proving that the brand was making an impact within the professional circuit.

Raj had built something that went beyond his own cricketing career. He had engineered a legacy that would endure, whether or not he won the IPL trophy.

Chapter 19: RCB vs. Mumbai Indians – RajCraft on Display as the Chase Begins

Part 7: The Perfect Chase Begins – Precision, Innovation, and the Final Step Toward Glory

The atmosphere inside the stadium was charged with anticipation. RCB had successfully contained Mumbai to 183 runs, ensuring that their chase remained within manageable limits. Now, Raj and Kohli prepared to step onto the field, their focus locked on executing the run chase to perfection.

But this wasn’t just a battle between two IPL teams—this was also a moment to prove the effectiveness of RajCraft. The gear Raj had developed was more than just equipment—it was a strategic extension of his playstyle, crafted to provide maximum grip, flexibility, and endurance under high-pressure conditions.

As Raj tightened his gloves, every movement felt calculated, designed to ensure his stroke play remained flawless even under the brightest spotlight of his career.

"These gloves were built for moments like this. Now, I prove their worth."

Kohli adjusted his stance beside him, gripping his bat firmly.

"Let’s finish this properly."

The umpire signaled the start of the innings. RCB’s chase had officially begun.

RajCraft in Action – How Innovation Enhances Performance

RajCraft wasn’t just about marketing or product branding—it was a result of Raj’s deep understanding of what a cricketer needs under extreme pressure. Every detail in his gear had a purpose:

Gloves engineered with sweat-resistant grips – Ensuring bat stability even during intense moments of physical exhaustion.

Pads designed for lightweight mobility – Reducing weight without compromising protection, allowing for fast movement between wickets.

Flexible wrist guards integrated into glove design – Preventing strain when executing late cuts or flick shots with rapid wrist movements.

Raj’s mission was simple—performance enhancement without compromise.

And tonight, under the lights of the IPL Final, his creations would prove their value.

To be continued.....