CHAPTER 90: RCB VS. KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS – A NEW CHALLENGE

The league stage continued, and RCB was riding high on confidence after their dramatic encounters with Chennai. Raj had settled into his leadership role, and the team had shown tactical discipline in their last few matches.

But now, a new challenge awaited.

RCB’s next match was against Kolkata Knight Riders, a team known for their aggressive batting and unpredictable bowling variations. Unlike Chennai, who relied on calculated field settings and defensive bowling, Kolkata played with an unorthodox, risk-heavy approach.

This was a different test entirely.

Kolkata’s Strengths – What RCB Needed to Counter

Explosive Middle Order – KKR’s batters were known for their fearless approach. Their No. 4 and No. 5 could accelerate the run rate within minutes, making it crucial for RCB to limit their scoring bursts.

Spin Dominance – KKR’s bowling attack featured mystery spinners who relied on unpredictable flight and sudden turns. This would be a stark contrast to Chennai’s structured pace-heavy bowling attack.

Aggressive Fielding Placements – Kolkata’s captain was known for setting traps in the outfield, forcing batters into risky aerial shots that often led to dismissals.

Raj and his team began planning their response, understanding that this match would not follow the same patterns as their previous encounters.

Toss Decision – Who Takes Control?

The stadium was buzzing as RCB and Kolkata lined up for the toss. Raj adjusted his cap, stood firm under the cameras, and watched as the coin was flicked into the air.

Kolkata won the toss.

Their captain didn’t hesitate—they chose to bat first, aiming to set a high total and force RCB into a pressure-filled chase.

Raj nodded slightly, understanding exactly what was coming. Kolkata was about to go all-in with their batting power, and RCB’s bowlers had a massive challenge ahead.

The team huddled. Strategies were finalized. Plans were put in place.

The match was about to begin.

The sun was setting over the packed stadium as Kolkata’s openers stepped onto the field. Their intent was clear—attack from ball one, push RCB’s bowlers into defensive positions, and set a high target that would be difficult to chase.

Raj, standing in the center with his bowlers, adjusted his gloves and spoke with measured focus.

"They’ll come hard at us, but we control the pace. Every ball must be executed with precision."

RCB’s plan wasn’t about stopping Kolkata’s attacking mindset—it was about dictating the rhythm of their innings.

RCB’s Bowling Strategy – Key Tactical Adjustments

Early Yorkers & Short Balls – Prevent the openers from freeing their arms early by using unpredictable lengths.

Field Restrictions Adaptation – Instead of a deep set field, Raj kept mid-wicket and deep square tight, forcing Kolkata into mistimed aerial shots.

Spin in the Powerplay – Chennai had waited until the fifth over to introduce spin, but Raj brought in Maxwell earlier, cutting off Kolkata’s boundary angles.

Bowler Rotations Every Three Overs – Unlike traditional setups, Raj refused to allow Kolkata’s batters to settle against one bowler for too long.

The field was set. The match was about to begin.

First Over – Siraj vs. Kolkata’s Aggressive Openers

The first ball was fired full, swinging in toward leg stump. Kolkata’s batter reacted immediately, flicking it toward mid-wicket.

Single taken.

Raj adjusted slightly, signaling the bowler to bring the next ball slightly shorter.

Second ball—short-pitched, chest height, forcing the batter onto the back foot.

Mistimed shot. Dot ball.

RCB wasn’t allowing Kolkata any space to work with.

Score Progression – First Five Overs

At the end of five overs, the scoreboard flashed:

Kolkata – 38 for 1 (5 overs)

Opener 1 – 22 (14), 3 fours

Opener 2 (out) – 9 (8), 1 four

New batter in – 5* (3)

RCB’s bowlers had successfully restricted boundary opportunities, but Kolkata was still scoring at a dangerous rate.

Raj spoke with his bowlers during the break.

"We need to tighten further. Three dot balls in an over—force their batters into errors."

The next over would define RCB’s control over the match.

With the powerplay over, RCB had controlled Kolkata’s initial scoring rate, but now the real challenge began. The middle overs were where Kolkata’s batting strength would come into play—their aggressive No. 4 and No. 5 batters were known for shifting momentum rapidly.

Raj walked up to his bowlers during the strategic break.

"We’ve done well restricting them early, but now they’ll push harder. Stay disciplined. No loose deliveries."

The next seven overs would dictate the final outcome of Kolkata’s innings.

RCB’s Tactical Adjustments in Middle Overs

Spin-heavy attack – Bring Maxwell and Karn Sharma in back-to-back overs, cutting off Kolkata’s boundary angles.

Short mid-wicket placement – Trap Kolkata’s aggressive stroke makers into risky aerial flicks.

Slow ball variations – Restrict their ability to play conventional power strokes by disrupting their rhythm.

Bowling according to match-ups – Target Kolkata’s left-handers with off-spin, forcing errors against the turn.

Raj signaled to Maxwell—spin was entering the battle early.

Overs 7-10 – Kolkata’s Middle Order Strikes Back

Maxwell marked his run-up and delivered his first ball—flatter, angling toward off-stump.

The batter leaned into it and drove hard toward extra cover.

Four runs.

Kolkata wasn’t waiting for gaps to appear—they were manufacturing them themselves.

Maxwell adjusted. Next ball—slower, dipping in, forcing hesitation from the batter.

Mistimed stroke. Dot ball.

RCB’s strategy wasn’t perfect yet, but Raj’s team wasn’t losing control.

Score Progression – 10 Over Update

The scoreboard flashed:

Kolkata – 78 for 2 (10 overs)

Opener 1 – 38 (24), 5 fours

Opener 2 (out) – 9 (8), 1 four

New batter in – 21* (13), 2 fours, 1 six

RCB had forced a slowdown in boundary frequency, but Kolkata was still building steadily.

The dugout discussions intensified. Raj spoke firmly with Maxwell and Karn Sharma.

"Three tight overs—we break their momentum here."

The game was balanced, but the next five overs would tilt it one way or the other.

As the match entered its final overs, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Kolkata had built a stable foundation throughout their innings, but now they were preparing for the final assault—a brutal last five overs where boundaries would come in quick succession.

Raj gathered his bowlers near the pitch.

"No loose deliveries now. They’ll try to force errors—don’t give them opportunities."

RCB wasn’t just looking to restrict Kolkata. They were setting a trap—a calculated plan to bait Kolkata’s batters into playing the wrong shots at the wrong time.

RCB’s Tactical Setup for Death Overs

Wide Yorkers to Prevent Big Shots – Force Kolkata’s hitters into uncomfortable angles instead of straight power strokes.

Two Deep Fielders for Lofted Shots – Position players precisely at long-on and deep mid-wicket where Kolkata liked to clear the boundary.

Mixed Pace Variations – Ensure that no two consecutive deliveries arrived at the same speed, making timing difficult.

Bowling Across Different Fielding Positions – Adjust every few deliveries to make Kolkata’s targeting unpredictable.

Raj wasn’t just defending a total—he was psychologically wearing Kolkata down, ensuring they wasted deliveries in failed attempts at big shots.

Overs 16-18 – Kolkata’s Aggression Meets Resistance

The first ball of the 16th over arrived fast, short-pitched, directed toward the body. Kolkata’s batter reacted instantly, attempting a flick shot toward deep fine leg.

But the ball held its seam slightly, slowing down before impact.

Mistimed shot. Dot ball.

The next delivery arrived full, angling toward off-stump. The batter swung hard, aiming for the gaps at cover.

Fielded cleanly. Single taken.

Kolkata wasn’t accelerating as much as they expected.

RCB was disrupting the pace of their innings, controlling the movement of the ball.

Score Update – 18 Overs Completed

Kolkata – 158 for 5 (18 overs)

Middle-order batter 1 – 45*(29), 5 fours, 2 sixes

Middle-order batter 2 – 22*(14), 3 fours

RCB had managed to restrict Kolkata’s power-hitters, but now came the final two overs—the deciding phase.

Raj turned toward his lead pacer.

"This is it—precision in every ball."

The bowler nodded. Every delivery now counted.

The final two overs stood between Kolkata and their target finish. They had battled through RCB’s disciplined bowling attack, pacing their innings carefully, but now they had to push for a competitive total.

Raj took a deep breath, adjusting his field placements. He had successfully contained Kolkata’s middle-order acceleration, forcing them to rely on gaps rather than pure boundary-hitting.

But the real test was these last twelve balls.

Would RCB hold firm?

Or would Kolkata break through their defenses?

RCB’s Final Bowling Strategy

Yorker-heavy attack – Minimize easy boundary strokes by forcing batters into difficult angles.

Deceptive slower balls – Prevent Kolkata’s finishers from timing their shots perfectly.

Split field placements

– A balance between protecting deep boundaries and cutting off singles.

Bowler rotation based on shot direction – Adjust angles to make targeting specific areas uncomfortable.

Raj signaled his bowler forward.

"Execute every ball precisely. No free hits."

The stadium held its breath.

Over 19 – Kolkata’s Aggressive Attempts

The first ball arrived full and wide, but Kolkata’s batter had read the line early. He opened the face of the bat, slicing it toward deep third man.

Four runs.

Raj exhaled. Kolkata was coming for them.

Next delivery—slower ball, dipping onto off-stump.

Mistimed stroke. Dot ball.

Third ball—short, sharp bounce, forcing a pull shot attempt.

Fielded at deep mid-wicket. Single taken.

RCB was interrupting Kolkata’s acceleration, but they still had nine balls left to make an impact.

Final Over – Kolkata’s Last Attack

The scoreboard flashed:

Kolkata – 174 for 5 (19 overs)

RCB had limited boundary opportunities, but the match wasn’t done yet.

Raj knew Kolkata’s batters would push harder in the last six balls.

First delivery—full toss, angling onto the stumps.

Struck cleanly toward long-off. Two runs taken.

Second ball—wide yorker, forcing a late cut attempt.

Missed. Dot ball.

Third ball—short-pitched attack, controlled pull toward square leg.

Four runs.

Raj adjusted his field one last time.

"Hold them under 180. Force them into singles."

Final Score – Kolkata’s Total

After twenty overs, Kolkata’s innings came to an end.

Kolkata Knight Riders – 182 for 6 (20 overs)

Opener 1 – 41 (27), 6 fours

Middle-order batter 1 – 52* (34), 7 fours, 1 six

Middle-order batter 2 – 32 (19), 3 fours

RCB Bowling:

Mohammad Siraj – 4-0-38-2

Josh Hazlewood – 4-0-29-1

Karn Sharma – 3-0-25-1

Raj walked toward the dugout.

RCB had restricted Kolkata’s final acceleration, but 182 was still a strong total.

Now, it was time for the chase.

To be continued....