The Royal Challengers Bangalore’s hopes of qualifying for the playoffs suffered a big setback after their 54-point loss to the Punjab Kings, meaning they sit on 14 points with just one game left for them. RCB’s net run rate has also suffered and this could be a big problem with quite a few teams running out of steam in the playoff race. Two RCB bowlers had a nightmare on Friday – Mohammed Siraj and Josh Hazlewood. While the Aussie has been impressive all season and the performance against PBKS was probably just a blip, Siraj has been mediocre throughout IPL 2022.
The Indian fast bowler has taken eight wickets in 13 matches but more worryingly for RCB, he has a save rate of 9.82.
Also on Friday, Siraj was taken down for 36 carries from his opening two overs, with captain Faf du Plessis not calling on his services again in the game. The fact that he was retained by RCB for a whopping Rs 7 crore and his performance afterwards for the team has not gone down very well with some fans.
This Siraj is one of the main reasons for our season this year… I mean man you are an international bowler… 4-5 games included but don’t even get better by being a restrained guy.
Drop it, bring Chama Milind..#RCBvPBKS https://t.co/iL05T7F1IE
– (@KaptaanSparroow) May 13, 2022
RCB after retaining Siraj in place of Chahal pic.twitter.com/b6b9BaoB4R
– one tribe (@onetribepost) May 14, 2022
While it was a very poor game for Hazlewood, whose ER season went from 6.81 to 7.88 after today, Siraj has been pretty mediocre this season. 5 times he has gone for 10 RPO this season, and his overall economy for the season is now 9.82.
— Gurkirat Singh Gill (@gurkiratsgill) May 13, 2022
Mo Siraj has conceded 442 runs 45 overs with a saving of 9.82 and taken just 8 wickets averaging 55.25 this season so far.
This will be one of the worst seasons for any international bowler.
Really disappointed— Anurag Jain (@HonestCric8Fan) May 13, 2022
Mohammed Siraj received an award for the fastest ball of the match… he was crushed for six. I love silly IPL endgame rewards
— Nick (@nickcricket) May 13, 2022
Stop playing siraj and give others a chance. This is why rcb will always fail and keep failing. The management team opts for egos and superstars that are out of shape
— Saurabh badhya (@deprezzedszn) May 13, 2022
Next year if you hold this man siraj I will sue you @RCBTweets
— Kohli declining era (@Prernuuuuxxxx) May 13, 2022
#Siraj is clearly a waste for #RCB this whole season and we should admit it.
Giving points in Powerplay
Giving rusn in the Middle Overs
Giving Races in Death Overs@iamsidkaul should come now or it’s over for #RCB— Vigilante (@mvigilantee) May 13, 2022
How much more gruesome does Siraj have to be this season for him to hold a drop? stupefied
— Marissa Chandler (@Rissa91_07) May 13, 2022
If you ever think you’re brainless, just remember that RCB freed Yuzi to hold Siraj.
— (@Karan__18) May 13, 2022
Trouble Siraj for Rcb and hard for PBKS pic.twitter.com/GoHxZNNSnI
— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) May 13, 2022
RCB continued to play Siraj and not give Sid Kaul a chance. At least ek do corresponds to ke liye to isko bitha dete. Itna supports karna bhi theek nahi hai. Siraj can’t even understand how badly he is playing.
— Shivanand (@ShivasRegal007) May 13, 2022
Compared to Siraj, other front row bowlers in the RCB have actually done quite well.
RCB spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is the current holder of the Purple Cap, having won 23 wickets in 13 games at a save rate of 7.48. After him Harshal Patel, last season’s Purple Cap winner Harshal Patel took 18 wickets in 12 games at a save rate of 7.72.
Hazlewood has 13 wickets to its name in just nine games and an save rate of 7.88.
Promoted
Glenn Maxwell was also productive with the ball in hand, taking five wickets in just 17 overs played and a save rate of 7.05.
Compare that to Siraj, who has 45 overs, and his 55.25 average is among the worst for bowlers who have 20+ overs this season.
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