Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower acknowledges that the team’s lead-up to the IPL playoffs is less than ideal. However, he remains optimistic about his team’s ability to handle the situation. If RCB secure a top-two finish, they’re set to play Qualifier 1 in Ahmedabad within 48 hours of their final league match against Lucknow Super Giants on 27th May.
“That’s not your ideal lead-in to a qualifying game,” explained Flower before Friday’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, now moved to Lucknow due to predicted rain in Bengaluru. “The best way is for everyone to take in the reality of that, deal with it and we’ll be ready for that game.”
RCB hasn’t played since 3rd May, with their first match post-IPL resumption abandoned due to rain. The relocation of their current game has limited them to just two practice sessions. “We trained in Bangalore yesterday around lunch time, flew here, have a training session tonight [Thursday] and we’ll be ready to go,” Flower added.
Despite the disruptions, Flower sees benefits from the break, especially with Rajat Patidar’s hand injury and Phil Salt’s illness, allowing them to recover. “Rajat Patidar for one… He’s fit to bat. Which is great. [Phil] Salt was sick for a while… and he’s back at full force,” Flower stated.
Returning to Ekana Stadium, where he coached Lucknow Super Giants, Flower is hopeful RCB will maintain their impressive away form. They’ve won six out of six away games this season and are eyeing a top-two spot. “As you know we struggled in our home conditions initially… but we’ve got a good record away,” he said.
Flower also touched on losing the advantage of playing in Bengaluru, but remains positive. “I think generally cricketers should be able to adjust to whatever conditions given to them,” he said, valuing the franchise’s relationship with the Karnataka State Cricket Association.
As RCB prepare for the upcoming matches, balancing rest and readiness will be key. Despite the unexpected changes, Flower’s confidence in the team’s adaptability remains strong.
