Piyush Chawla expects RCB to come hard at KKR
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bangalore will face a stern test when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders in match number 17 of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The hosts have failed to win a single match out of four attempts this season. All eyes will be on RCB in relation to how they response. Interestingly, KKR spinner Piyush Chawla expects them to come hard. Here's more.
Quote
They will come even more hard at us: Chawla
"We know what type of game RCB has got and four games down doesn't mean that they are down and out. We know the quality of players they have, they are going to bounce back. They will come even more hard at us," said Chawla.
Our take
KKR need to bowl well against RCB
KKR cannot take RCB lightly and the visitors will be hoping to bounce back after losing against Delhi via Super Over. Kolkata's bowling in particular saw some improvement against DC towards the end, but they need to stick together and deliver consistently. The spinners in particular haven't quite struck the chords so far. On a batting friendly pitch in Bengaluru, things could get difficult.
Quote
We need to follow the basics against RCB, says Chawla
"Plans are simple. We need to follow the basics. Virat, AB and even Parthiv [Patel] the way he batted in the last game, they all are quality batsmen. We need to make sure we don't give them easy things," said Chawla.
KKR bowling
KKR bowlers have conceded aplenty in IPL 2019
In three matches so far, KKR have conceded 180-plus runs in all the three games. Andre Russell has provided the impetus with the bat at the death to help them see out matches. The RCB batting has quality written all over. That's a threat for KKR bowlers. Chawla said although there isn't anything to worry about, the bowlers will need to be smarter.
Information
Chawla has been KKR's best spinner this season
Chawla has taken three wickets so far in IPL 12. His economy-rate has been on the higher side (8.50). Chawla has bowled better than both Sunil Narine and Kuldeep Yadav though. KKR will look up to him to provide the breakthroughs.