IPL 2022: Faf du Plessis, Sherfane Rutherford grab spotlight in RCB’s first practice match

Bengaluru, March 25th, 2022: Royal Challengers Bangalore played their first practice match at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium in Thane ahead of the Tata IPL 2022. Captain Faf du Plessis, West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford, Dinesh Karthik, Akashdeep and Suyash Prabhudessai all grabbed the spotlight during the high intensity encounter. The entire squad was divided into two teams, each led by Faf du Plessis (Team A) and Harshal Patel (Team B).

Speaking exclusively on ‘RCB Bold Diaries’ before the match, Mike Hesson, Director, Cricket Operations, RCB said, “We’ll play today like a competitive game. There is still competition for places. We still want our whole squad to be up to speed heading into that first game, making themselves available. (I’m) looking forward to the guys going out and showing their skills today.”

Opting to bat, Team A posted a mammoth 215-run target that came on the back of thunderous knocks from Faf du Plessis (76 off 40), Rutherford (59 off 31) and wicketkeeper-batsman Anuj Rawat (46 off 25). Opening the batting, Faf and Rawat’s duo set the tone for the innings, while the middle order displayed its arsenal with the likes of Dinesh Karthik and Rutherford showcasing their prowess in full flow. Harshal Patel, meanwhile, scalped three wickets with leg-spinner Karn Sharma picking two.

In reply, Suyash Prabhudessai top scored with 87 off just 46 balls. Dinesh Karthik, who batted in the second innings as well, once again displayed his skills in the middle order, scoring a quick-fire 49 off just 21 deliveries. The game went down to the wire with two runs required off the final two deliveries. However, pacer Akash Deep displayed incredible calmness and ensured Team A walked away with a close one-run victory. He was the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets, while Sri Lankan leggie Wanindu Hasaranga and Shahbaz Ahmed took one wicket apiece.

Speaking exclusively on ‘RCB Bold Diaries’ after the practice match, Mike Hesson, Director, Cricket Operations, RCB shared his views, “The warm-up game was fantastic for us. It went down to two needed off two and then Akashdeep took a wicket. (It was) a one-run win, which is what you want in a warm-up game. You want to see guys under pressure. The batting side, chasing 215, was under early pressure and then Suyash Prabhudessai and Dinesh Karthik came back and played really nicely through the middle and changed the game in terms of momentum. All in all, a really good exercise. Fielding was a decent standard but certainly something we can improve in terms of intensity. (It was) a very valuable exercise. A number of players standing up. (It was) a really good squad day.”

Speaking exclusively on ‘RCB Bold Diaries’ at the end of the practice match, Faf du Plessis, Captain, RCB shared which player impressed him the most, “DK was really good. But who I’m actually really impressed with most today was Akashdeep. He was excellent with the new ball. Bowled really good hard lengths. I’m surprised by his pace as well. And then towards the end, he had some really good options. That’s really pleasing for us. Another young fast bowler stepping up.”

Royal Challengers Bangalore get their IPL 2022 campaign underway as they lock horns with Punjab Kings on March 27th (Sunday) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

A high-scoring, last over thriller in our first practice match, and we saw some scintillating performances from our boys. Watch @kreditbee presents Bold Diaries to find out more details.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2022 #Mission2022 pic.twitter.com/JQFa4H3afF

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 25, 2022