Faf du Plessis, the disappointed skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, acknowledged that a series of losses had severely impacted the team's morale, with confidence reaching an all-time low following their defeat by 25 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In a match where numerous batting records were shattered, SRH set an unprecedented IPL record total of 287 for 3, only to contain RCB to 262 for 7, amidst a barrage of 38 maximums across both innings. The game also etched its name in the record books for registering the highest cumulative match total of 549 runs scored by both teams.
Reflecting on the staggering run-fest, du Plessis remarked, "It’s remarkable the number of runs scored today, setting a world record. I wouldn’t consider 270 as the par score, Danny. Bowling on a day like this is challenging; we experimented with a few strategies, but they didn’t quite click."
Drawing parallels between the impact of consecutive victories and defeats on team confidence, the former Proteas captain emphasized, "There’s no hiding when your confidence takes a hit. The fast bowlers struggled out there. Just as with batting, we need to address certain areas. We must ensure the run rate doesn’t plummet post the powerplay. Despite the spirited run chase, conceding 30-40 extra runs from a bowling perspective was a tad too much."
Acknowledging the immense pressure, du Plessis admitted, "The pressure is immense; your mind could implode at any moment. It’s crucial to step back and rejuvenate mentally. Cricket is as much a mental game as it is physical. Sometimes it feels like your mind is on the verge of exploding. However, when you return to the field, you must commit wholeheartedly."
Meanwhile, winning skipper Cummins, who showcased a stellar bowling performance, humorously expressed his desire to swap roles on high-scoring days. "I wish I were a batter," quipped Cummins, basking in his team's triumph. Reflecting on the unprecedented run glut, Cummins expressed disbelief, saying, "A few weeks ago against Mumbai, I thought it was a one-off, but here we are again. Please give me a few more years before bowlers become extinct! Bowling an over for seven or eight runs feels like an achievement."
Commenting on the ever-changing dynamics of the Chinnaswamy track, Cummins remarked, "I've stopped trying to decipher the pitches."
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