Royal Challengers Bangalore's hopes of making the playoffs received a big setback after their 54-run loss to Punjab Kings meant that they remain on 14 points with just one match remaining for them. RCB's net run-rate also suffered and this could be a big problem with quite a few teams breathing down their necks in the race for the playoffs. On Friday, two RCB bowlers had a nightmare -- Mohammed Siraj and Josh Hazlewood. While the Australian has been impressive all season, and the performance against PBKS was probably just a blip, Siraj has been poor throughout IPL 2022.
The Indian fast bowler has taken eight wickets in 13 matches but more worryingly for RCB, he has an economy rate of 9.82.
On Friday, as well, Siraj was taken for 36 runs off his first two overs, with captain Faf du Plessis not calling upon his services again in the match. The fact that was retained by RCB for a whopping Rs 7 crore and his performance thereafter for the team, has not gone down too well with some fans.
As compared to Siraj, other RCB frontline bowlers have in fact done quite well.
RCB spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is the current Purple Cap holder, having taken 23 wickets in 13 games at an economy rate of 7.48. After him is last season's Harshal Patel Purple Cap winner Harshal Patel, who has taken 18 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 7.72.
Hazlewood has 13 wickets to his name in just nine matches and an economy rate of 7.88.
Glenn Maxwell too has been productive with the ball in hand, taking five wickets in just 17 overs bowled and an economy rate of 7.05.
Compare that to Siraj, who has bowled 45 overs, and his average of 55.25 is among the worst for bowlers that have bowled over 20 overs this season.