IPL 2022: POSITIVES, SHORTCOMINGS, AND ROAD AHEAD FOR FAF-LED RCB

Faf du Plessis scored the most runs for the Challengers, getting 468 runs while averaging 31.20 (three fifties). Rajat Patidar (333) averaged above 50 and did well at number three when presented with the chance...

- RENIN WILBEN

The Royal Challengers Bangalore gave a decent account of themselves in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season. The Faf du Plessis-led RCB reached the playoffs as the fourth-placed team in the league stage. They beat Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator before being beaten by Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. Overall, RCB will be pleased to see the things that went in a positive direction for them. They will want to build on the performance of IPL 2022 and perhaps aim to go the distance in IPL 2023. Here we present RCB's report card.

LEAGUE STAGE STATUS AND POINTS

In the league stage, RCB finished fourth, having played 14 games. They collected eight wins and suffered six losses. With 16 points and an NRR of -0.253, it was enough for the Challengers to make it to the playoff stage. RCB started their campaign by losing against Punjab Kings. They went on to beat KKR, RR, and MI in the next three games. RCB suffered another defeat versus CSK before downing the Delhi Capitals. This was followed by a win against LSG and a defeat to SRH. They suffered successive defeats against RR and GT. They won three of their last four league games.

ELIMINATOR JOY AND QUALIFIER 2 HEARTBREAK

In the Eliminator, RCB were superb versus LSG, gaining a 14-run win. They managed 207/4, riding on Rajat Patidar's century, and then restricted LSG to 193/6. However, Qualifier 2 saw them suffer a one-sided defeat. RCB managed 157/8 as RR chased down the target with seven wickets to spare.

RCB'S PERFORMANCE ACROSS POWERPLAY, MIDDLE, AND DEATH OVERS