Anuj Rawat And Shahbaz Ahmed Haven’t Performed When Given A Chance, Says Sanjay Bangar

RCB coach Sanjay Bangar expresses his dissatisfaction with the performances of Anuj Rawat and Shahbaz Ahmed in the IPL 2023. 

In an exclusive interview with Sanjay Bangar, RCB coach, he expressed how he considers the performance of two youngsters—Anuj Rawat and Shahbaz Ahmed—of the group to have not progressed this season after the team's tragic defeat against MI on Tuesday, May 9th. 

The overall team performance was dissatisfactory, with Glen Maxwell scoring 68,  captain Faf du Plessis scoring 65, and Dinesh Kartik scoring 30 in 18 balls for a total of 199/6. These were unexpected top performances from RCB and the only hope for a win. Their score was hunted down by MI in 16.3 overs. 

RCB in IPL 2023

RCB couldn’t stand up to its mark in IPL season 2023, as they lost to MI with six wickets. The team fell with a 10-run deficit and lost three major wickets in the middle phase, with Maxwell, Lomror, and Faf out of the match. The teams could collect the impetus they needed to win in the end. 

It is expected of the coach to be disappointed in RCB’s performance after their fall to rank 7th with a crushing net run rate. The Bengaluru coach also spoke about the difference in the quality of their top three and batting line-up. In the midst of his declaration of RCB lacking a good middle-order batsman line-up, he also pointed out the loss of Rajat Patidar this season due to his injury, which contributed to the loss. 

Hopes of Recovery 

Sanjay Bangar also reveals that the team has received indications of their injured hope, Rajat Patidar, returning to the crease after 3 to 4 matches, as the cricketer seems to heal at a rapid pace. While the team misses his absence from the team during these crucial times for RCB. 

According to the coach, he has high hopes for Rajat Patidar, as he sees the capability in the youngster to fill the gap in the season that hasn’t happened so far because of his injury. Patidar is a skilled batsman who scored a century in the playoffs against the Lucknow Supergiants and announced his debut in the 2022 season. Bangar added that neither Anuj Rawat nor Shehbaz Ahmed have progressed this season. 

In the words of the coach, the younger batsman, Mahipal Lomror, has been taking chances, while the other two youngsters haven’t been progressing at a good rate. Shehbaz Ahmed and Anuj Rawat's match performance is not capitalising on the opportunities thrown at them. 

Bangar also reports on handling players in the franchise; one needs to be patient with youngsters and give them time while expecting they will take the opportunities to offer winning performances for the franchise. The coach added the example of KKR’s Rinku Singh;  “They were patient with the cricketer for 3-4 years and are reaping the fruit now.” 

Bangar’s worries are worthwhile, as the team falls to 7th position and the game is supposedly going to be tight up until the very last match. Anuj Rawat and Shehbaz Ahmed’s returns will be expected after Bangar’s conference proclamation of maintaining patience with the youngsters. The team faced the Rajasthan Royals in their next match at Sawai Mansingh Stadium. 

FAQs
When did  Anuj Rawat IPL debut happen? 
Anuj Rawat IPL debut took place in 2021 under the Rajasthan Royals. 
What is Anuj Rawat’s match score against MI? 
Anuj Rawat scored six runs against MI. 
What is Anuj Rawat's age
Anuj Rawat is a young cricketer. Anuj Rawat’s age is 23.