CHAPTER 95: RCB VS. RAJASTHAN ROYALS – THE CHASE BEGINS

The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric as RCB’s openers walked out onto the field, preparing to chase down 176 runs against a highly disciplined Rajasthan bowling attack. Raj stood near the boundary, arms folded, assessing every tactical element of this chase.

Rajasthan had posted a respectable total, but they had struggled under RCB’s middle-over containment. Their innings hadn’t been as explosive as they’d planned, meaning RCB had a golden opportunity to chase efficiently without being forced into unnecessary risks.

But Raj knew better than to underestimate Rajasthan. Their bowling attack was known for adaptability, particularly when defending moderate totals. This wasn’t about sheer aggression—it was about timing the acceleration phase perfectly.

The players took their positions. The chase was officially underway.

This chase required patience and precision. Unlike previous matches where RCB chased larger totals with late acceleration, this was a controlled chase, meaning every phase had to be executed efficiently.

Raj had planned three major tactical approaches for this innings:

Powerplay stability before boundary hunting – RCB couldn’t afford early losses. Keeping wickets intact in the first six overs was vital.

Mid-innings acceleration driven by partnerships – This game was not about solo brilliance but calculated partnerships.

Final overs pressure management – Rajasthan’s bowling attack would tighten toward the end, meaning RCB’s batters had to handle the closing phase smartly.

Virat Kohlie and Faf Duplesi took their positions at the crease. The first ball was about to be delivered.

Rajasthan’s pacer sprinted in, delivering a sharp outswinger on a length, just outside off-stump.

Kohlie judged the ball quickly, adjusted his stance, and gently pushed it toward deep cover.

Single taken.

Rajasthan had set a field designed for early control, positioning fielders specifically to limit easy runs.

Next ball—full-length, targeting Duplesi’s front foot movement.

Duplesi stepped into it smoothly, driving the ball past extra cover.

Four runs.

Raj nodded slightly. RCB was off to a controlled start, ensuring Rajasthan couldn’t force mistakes early.

Rajasthan recognized that RCB wasn’t rushing, meaning their bowlers could afford to tighten deliveries further without worrying about aggressive counterattacks.

Their adjustments included:

Restricting Kohlie’s cut shots – Blocking his angles with short third-man placements.

Mid-on compression for Duplesi – Preventing easy flick shots to deep mid-wicket.

Mixed bowling speeds – Switching between fast-paced attacks and deceptive slower balls.

RCB wasn’t rushing, but they were keeping Rajasthan’s bowlers busy, forcing constant fielding shifts.

Score Update – Powerplay Progression

RCB – 54 for no loss (6 overs)

Virat Kohlie – 27*(17), 3 fours

Faf Duplesi – 24*(19), 2 fours

RCB had neutralized Rajasthan’s opening attack without taking risks.

Raj glanced at the scoreboard.

"This is going according to plan. Now, we build."

As the powerplay ended, RCB found themselves in a solid position, reaching 54 for no loss after six overs. Kohlie and Duplesi had executed the early strategy flawlessly, ensuring Rajasthan’s bowlers couldn’t break momentum. But now, with the field spreading and spin coming into play, the dynamics of the chase were about to shift.

Raj observed carefully from the dugout, knowing Rajasthan’s real strength lay in their middle-overs containment strategy. Their spinners specialized in breaking partnerships and slowing run rates, which meant RCB’s response had to be measured, not reckless.

The players took their positions, and Rajasthan’s lead spinner stepped up for the next phase of the innings.

Rajasthan had planned their defense meticulously. They weren’t relying on outright wickets—their primary focus was limiting RCB’s boundary opportunities and forcing them into extended rotation play.

Their changes included:

Deep mid-wicket and deep extra cover repositioning – Blocking Kohlie and Duplesi’s preferred driving areas.

Tighter variations in spin bowling angles – Reducing pace and mixing flighted deliveries.

Sharp mid-on placements – Cutting off quick singles and forcing RCB to adjust their stroke play.

Raj tapped his fingers on the dugout railing. Rajasthan’s approach was expected, but now RCB had to ensure they didn’t fall into a defensive mindset.

Rajasthan’s spinner fired in his first ball—slower, angling toward off stump, expecting Kohlie to attack.

Kohlie didn’t take the bait. Instead, he leaned into the shot and gently placed it past point.

Single taken.

Next ball—full-length, turning sharply away from Duplesi.

Duplesi tracked the spin early, stepped forward, and drilled it through extra cover.

Four runs.

RCB wasn’t trying to overpower Rajasthan’s bowlers—they were simply ensuring they kept the scoreboard ticking.

Overs 10-12 – Rajasthan’s Frustration Begins to Show

By the 10th over, Rajasthan’s spinners were adjusting constantly, but RCB’s batters remained disciplined.

Instead of attempting high-risk boundaries, Kohlie and Duplesi focused on:

Rotating strike every ball – Preventing Rajasthan’s bowlers from settling.

Avoiding aerial attempts against spin – Playing strictly controlled shots along the ground.

Targeting gaps instead of hitting into packed fielding zones – Making sure Rajasthan’s defenders couldn’t cut off runs.

The result? Rajasthan had failed to slow RCB’s progression.

By the 12th over, RCB had maintained a strong run rate, keeping Rajasthan’s bowlers under pressure.

Rajasthan knew they needed a breakthrough before RCB entered the acceleration phase, so they brought back their pace attack.

The first ball of over 13 arrived—full-length, swinging inward sharply.

Duplesi attempted a flick past mid-wicket but mistimed the shot.

Caught. OUT!

Raj stood up from his seat, adjusting his gloves.

"They got a wicket. Now we take back control."

The match was about to enter its most defining phase—Raj stepping in to dictate the chase.

Score Update – RCB’s Position Before Acceleration

RCB – 112 for 1 (13 overs)

Virat Kohlie – 55*(39), 6 fours

Faf Duplesi (out) – 48 (34), 4 fours

Raj walking in at No.3

With Rajasthan attempting to shift momentum, Raj now had to ensure stability before pushing for acceleration.

He tapped his bat against the pitch.

"We finish this professionally. No rush. No mistakes."

Raj walked toward the crease with measured steps, tightening his grip on the bat. Rajasthan had just broken RCB’s foundation phase, dismissing Duplesi in the 13th over, and now their bowlers would attempt to force him into a defensive mindset.

But Raj had seen these tactics before—pressure bowling, field compression, deceptive variations. Rajasthan’s captain stood near the stumps, adjusting placements, ensuring that no easy runs could be taken.

"They think I’ll take risks to break their control. I won’t."

The RCB dugout watched closely. This was the moment where the chase truly shifted, and Raj knew exactly how to respond.

Recognizing Raj’s ability to control the tempo, Rajasthan tightened their defensive approach further:

Deep mid-wicket repositioning – Blocking his preferred flick shots.

Off-spin variations – Preventing him from settling early.

Bowling changes every two overs – Ensuring he never built rhythm against one bowler.

Their intention was clear: stall acceleration and push the chase into last-over pressure.

But Raj was already prepared for this battle.

First ball—full-length, angled across off stump.

Raj leaned forward, adjusted his stance, and tapped it toward extra cover.

Single taken.

Next ball—short, rising sharply toward the body.

Raj adjusted quickly, rolling his wrists over the pull shot and directing it toward fine leg.

Two runs.

Rajasthan had expected immediate boundary attempts, but Raj wasn’t playing their game.

He was building control first, acceleration second.

By the 15th over, Rajasthan’s bowlers realized Raj wasn’t forcing mistakes. Instead of rushing shots, he was rotating strike, testing their adjustments, and ensuring his timing remained precise.

They had hoped to trap him into risky strokeplay, but now they had to deal with the opposite problem—Raj systematically dismantling their control setup.

At the 16-over mark, Raj gestured to Kohlie.

"Now we start opening gaps."

RCB’s acceleration was about to begin.

Raj faced the first ball of over 17—a flighted off-break, designed to tempt an attacking shot.

Instead of lofting, he stepped forward and placed it softly past cover.

Three runs taken.

Rajasthan’s captain adjusted his field immediately, recognizing that Raj wasn’t playing into their hands.

Next ball—fast, aimed at the pads.

Raj flicked sharply toward deep square.

Four runs.

RCB had now officially entered acceleration mode.

Score Update – RCB’s Position Before the Final Overs

RCB – 138 for 1 (18 overs)

Virat Kohlie – 76*(48), 8 fours

Raj – 32*(21), 2 fours

RCB needed 38 runs from 18 balls.

Raj tightened his gloves.

"Now, we finish this properly."

The match had reached its most intense moment. RCB needed 38 runs from 18 balls, and Rajasthan’s bowlers were making their final tactical adjustments. The fielders repositioned, spreading out to limit easy boundaries, while their captain gave quick instructions to his pace attack.

Raj rolled his shoulders, stepping away from the crease for a brief moment. He could feel the weight of the match, but this was the kind of pressure he had trained for. He glanced at Kohlie, who returned a nod of understanding. The strategy was simple—execute acceleration without forcing reckless shots.

"They want us to panic. We don’t give them that advantage."

With only three overs remaining, Rajasthan switched to a full defensive setup, designed to stall RCB’s momentum as much as possible. Their bowling strategy relied on:

Wide yorkers to eliminate straight drives – Removing direct boundary options.

Sharp bouncers to disrupt pull shots – Preventing quick aerial strokes.

Mid-wicket compression to cut off rotation singles – Hoping to create dot-ball pressure.

Raj observed every adjustment. He knew Rajasthan expected desperation from RCB, but that wouldn’t happen.

He stepped back into his stance. The first ball of the 19th over was about to be delivered.

First ball—full-length, swinging outside off.

Raj watched it carefully, stretched forward, and placed it behind point.

Three runs taken.

Rajasthan’s captain signaled his bowler to maintain the same length strategy, but Raj knew the pattern now.

Next ball—slower delivery, forcing a delayed reaction.

Raj leaned into it, waiting until the last second before guiding it toward deep cover.

Four runs.

RCB had now shifted control back in their favor.

Rajasthan’s bowler ran in fast, knowing they had one last chance to stall the chase.

First ball—off-cutter, angling inward.

Kohlie adjusted his stance, stepped forward, and guided it through covers.

Four runs.

RCB was now one shot away from sealing the match.

Raj adjusted his gloves.

Next ball—sharp length, forcing Raj to react fast.

Raj adjusted, lifting his bat straight down the ground.

Boundary. Match over.

Final Score – RCB Secures Victory

RCB – 180 for 1 (19.4 overs)

Raj finishes unbeaten at 47(26), guiding the acceleration phase.*

Kohlie anchors the chase with 80(52), ensuring stability.*

RCB dominates the run chase with a clinical finish.

Raj walked toward the dugout, greeted by high-fives and celebratory cheers.

This victory was a statement—RCB wasn’t just chasing wins, they were controlling matches with absolute precision.

To be continued...