RCB will enter next IPL season with new hope and high expectations but it is that one thing that is always haunting them, their performance in the home stadium of M. Chinnaswamy. For nearly 18 years this stubborn problem has not been addressed and right now in the middle of the same season the very issue is resurfacing.
In fact, Chinnaswamy Stadium is often referred to as ‘unlucky for RCB’. Statistics indicate RCB has lost more matches there than they have won. RCB won only 9 games and lost 10 in the last three years and one match finished with no game result only. That takes their winning percentage to 45%.
The mystery seems to get on this piece. Why do RCB struggle in such a difficult time and at their own ground?
One of the key reasons is the enormous pressure from fans. RCB always has superstar players in the team, so they naturally raise expectations easily. But these big names have not fared well in Chinnaswamy. The team has had a run of not enough big scores to the club in any case and fans are left disappointed to see the disappointment go through time and time again.
Chinnaswamy is a batting-friendly ball. Big hitters have flourished here and RCB has enjoyed success with that. But their bowling is their problem. Bowlers have never been able to hold totals back on this field and it's hard for the team to get good starts to come from.
RCB lost many close games when playing within 10 on Chinnaswamy, or sometimes 15 on the very last ball. Despite good starts into the game, the club has sometimes been unable to finish it well at play. It’s been a real failure on their part in front of home fans and a lot of pressure on their shoulders and poor performance in front of home fans.
With one of the biggest fan bases in the world, Bangalore’s expectations in Bengaluru are enormous. RCB has not been able to live up to those expectations at home.
Chinnaswamy Stadium may not be “unlucky” but RCB’s bad performances here have made that perception about RCB. The ground has seen more heartbreak and more heartbreak for the team. If RCB can change their approach and bowling and pressure, a win on home soil is still possible. The difficulty remains, but with a proper attitude, with a team mindset, Chinnaswamy can become a fortress for the team instead of a weakness.
