Umesh, Southee used Test tactics to limit Kings XI

the body clock works differently during the two months of IPL.

VIRAT’S CLEVER MOVE

The RCB win was set up by Umesh Yadav and Tim Southee, their two strike pace bowlers. The first four overs actually set the tone for the rest of the game.

The two seamers were up against the most devastating and intimidating opening batting pair in this IPL, Chris Gayle and K L Rahul, and that too on a surface that sees sixes raining every night.

But a brilliant strategy from Virat Kohli saw these two bowlers stay away from the usual T20 instincts of trying to save one’s skin by bowling in a way that you don’t get hit.

Umesh and Southee put on their Test match cap on and bowled like they would do on an opening day of a Test.

They didn’t pick wickets early, but the psychological advantage after their opening spell was with RCB and they kept building on it as Gayle fell soon and Rahul too.

Karun Nair, batting at No. 3, was caught by Kohli at slip of Mohammed Siraj. Yes, caught at slip in T20 cricket!

The catch was taken by Kohli, the man who designed this unique match-winning tactic.

RCB now remain in contention to make it to the playoffs, to add even more interest in this IPL. With a week left, the fight among teams is getting really intense. Can we as T20 fans ask for anything better?