Batting let us down against RCB – KL Rahul after 6-run defeat

Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul blamed the failure of the batting unit for the 6-run defeat against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Batting first, RCB posted 164 for 7 and then managed to keep Punjab Kings (PBKS) to 158 for 6 in 20 overs. Yuzvendra Chahal returned with the bowling figures of 3/29 in 4 overs. RCB have 16 points and have become the third team after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) to qualify for the playoffs.

“I wouldn’t say I haven’t enjoyed wearing it (the Orange Cap) but I would have been happier if we had qualified. It was a score that was par,” KL Rahul said in the post-match presentation.

“Maybe 10-15 runs extra. When a guy like Maxwell comes in with that sort of form, it makes it difficult. But with the bat, the last couple of years have been disappointing.

“If I have to be honest, our batting has let us down. I’ll be lying if I say it doesn’t play on my mind that I play a role that the team demands.

“It’s not something that I enjoy, but when you lead the team, you have to accept the responsibility. In T20, the top two or three do score a bulk of the runs,” Rahul added.

“You won’t have people in the middle order scoring 500-600 runs. But we have missed someone in the middle who scores those 30-40 quick runs. Shahrukh and some other Indian young guys have been going well,” Rahul further said.

Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals will fight for the lone playoffs spot.