Royal Challengers Bangalore Star Yuvraj Singh Says Defeat vs Rajasthan Royals 'Hurting'

Yuvraj Singh was left bitterly disappointed after Royal Challengers Bangalore lost to Rajasthan Royals in a thrilling Indian Premier League contest at home on Sunday night. In a stunning chase, James Faulkner and Steven Smith produced 85 runs off 32 balls for the sixth wicket to snatch one of the most memorable wins of this year's league. Rajasthan's five-wicket win left Yuvraj and RCB completely shattered. (Kohli Blames Bowlers For Loss)

 

Yuvraj has more reasons to feel gutted. He scored a career-best 83 off 38 balls and went on to take four wickets for 35 but could not stop his team from losing a high-scoring contest that for most times seemed to be in RCB's grip. Chasing a daunting 191, the Australian duo of Faulkner and Smith scored the last 65 runs off just 17 balls to help Rajasthan win with seven balls to spare. (Rajasthan Steal Yuvraj's Thunder)

"We didn't bowl well at the death...we didn't bowl our yorkers well. It is unfortunate that we couldn't bowl one good over," Yuvraj lamented during a post-match chat at Chinnaswany Stadium. India pacer Varun Aaron went for 41 runs in 2.5 overs while Ashok Dinda and Mitchell Starc conceded 37 and 33 runs, respectively, in their three overs each. (Highlights)

"That the nature of the game. Smith and Faulkner are dangerous players and they got them (Rajasthan) over the line. Either you appreciate what they did or look back at what your bowlers did. (Simply) it's quite disappointing and hurting as well and so we have to accept it," said Yuvraj, whose disappointment reflected in the way he spoke. (Scorecard)

"We were aware of who is going to bowl at the death. One day they will win you a game and one day, when you don't have your plans in place, it will hurt you because that's the way T20 goes. You have to accept it," he added.

Sixth in the standings after their sixth defeat in nine matches, RCB have to win all their remaining matches to stay in contention for a last-four berth. "We played our hearts out but we faltered in the end. It's tough for us now. (In) the next four-five games, we have to be positive. We have the potential to win every game from here but have to take one game at a time and win it," said Yuvraj, the costliest player of the IPL bought at a record price of Rs 14 crore at the February auctions.