Indian Premier League: Royal Challengers Bangalore play their first practice match. See highlights

IPL 2021 is around the corner and players are working hard to stay in the best possible shape going into the tournament. While some franchises are looking to add to their trophy cabinet, teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) led by Virat Kohli are looking to end their title drought. RCB, who faced defending champions Mumbai Indians in the opening match of IPL 2021, played an intra-squad practice match to test their skills in a real match-like situation. With some of its players still in quarantine, RCB had only 12 players available, including Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, Mohammad Siraj.

Watch the highlights here:

Bold Diaries: RCB’s first practice match | Ipl 2021

Rajat Patidar’s superb half-century innings, Yuzhi’s pathetic performance, and Harshal Patel’s all-round performance: see the highlights of the practice match @myntra Presenting bold diaries.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers # IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/fmuqLcfmvu

– Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 4, 2021

Rajat Patidar, who was bought at his base price of Rs 20 lakhs this year, scored a fast half-century (54 runs in just 35 balls), while Suyesh Prabhudesai scored 25 off 15 balls as the team batting first scored 153 runs. She was out Saini conceded 40 runs but took three crucial wickets, while Chahal bowled brilliantly and returned with figures of 2 for 20.

However, the star of the day was all-rounder Harshal Patel, who fired with both bat and ball. First took two wickets and then put the team in line for two overs with a fast bowling cameo. He was awarded Man of the Match for his all-round performance.

Promoted

RCB qualified for the playoffs despite poor form by the end of last season but lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator.

Forgetting the disappointment of last season, the Virat Kohli-led team would like to perform more consistently this year as they stake their hands on the coveted title for the first time.