Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered their second loss of this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) against Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 34 runs. Former India opener Virender Sehwag suggested RCB shake things up for their next match.
Sehwag suggested RCB open with 27-year-old Mohammed Azharuddeen along with Devdutt Padikkal and skipper Virat Kohli to drop down to No. 3. Azharuddeen had smashed a 37-ball ton in this year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and hence was bought by the Bangalore-based franchise.
“I think Virat should come back to his original position of number three, and consider Mohammad Azharuddin for the opening role. He looks like a better option right now than Patidar. Kohli should be No.3, with Maxwell and ABD to follow,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.
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The former right-hand explosive batsman then explained the consequences of this decision as he thinks even if the young openers fail, there will be enough firepower in the middle order with Kohli, Maxwell, and AB de Villiers aiding to the recovery of the innings.
“It would mean that you will have three world-class players in the middle-order. If Devdutt Padikkal and Azharuddin don't do the job at the top, then these three are capable enough to bail the side out of trouble,” the 42-year-old said.
After losing to PBKS, Virat Kohli and Co. will be back in action on Monday (3 May) as they take on two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
(With Cricbuzz inputs)
