Bowling has always been RCB's weakness: Harbhajan Singh

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have had a disappointing start to their IPL 2024 campaign, winning just one of their first three matches. Their bowling attack has come under heavy criticism from former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who has advised the team to change their mindset and prioritize taking wickets over containing runs.

RCB went all in with a formidable batting line-up, but their bowling remains a major area of concern. Despite signing Alzarri Joseph for a whopping INR 11.5 crore, the Caribbean pacer has struggled, claiming just one wicket at an economy rate of 11.9. Mohammed Siraj, leading the attack, has also failed to inspire confidence, taking only two wickets while leaking runs at 10 an over.

Harbhajan Singh, former India bowler, slammed the Bengaluru-based franchise's approach, criticizing their excessive reliance on overseas batters while neglecting the bowling department.

“They repeatedly make mistakes in the team they pick. They invest heavily in batting and that is too foreign. They take mighty overseas batters, but bowling has always been their weakness. It's the case now also, and it's evident as well,” Harbhajan said on Star Sports.

The bowlers will have to change their mindset: Harbhajan Singh

The former India spinner suggested that a total of 180 should be defendable, but RCB's bowling attack leaves them vulnerable even with such targets.

“Whether you bat first or second, you will still have to bat well to get 180, and 180 should be a winning total. Your mindset is that 180 will be chased. How will they be chased? The opposing team will have to score them,” Harbhajan added.

The veteran spinner advised the RCB bowlers to adopt a more attacking mindset, focusing on claiming wickets rather than merely containing runs. 

“If you bowl enough good balls, you will still be able to get those people out. No matter who is playing, whether it's (Andre) Russell or anyone else batting against you, a good ball is a good ball. The bowlers will have to change their mindset slightly. Try to pick up wickets instead of trying to survive by bowling a decent over,” he concluded.

Also read: Harbhajan Singh comes down hard on RCB’s bowling attack after second loss

RCB is gearing up for their fourth match of the season and will take on Lucknow Super Giants on 2nd April at home. They currently are reeling at the ninth position in the points table and will be looking to add two more points before they are on the road for their next two fixtures.