While the audience loved the show, Rajasthan Royals were left with a red-face
2009 was a difficult time for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The tournament was just in its second year, but there was no place for the IPL in India, given the elections were held that year. Therefore, the IPL had to be shifted to South Africa – a nation that had nothing to do with the IPL or the franchises that were representing Indian states or cities.
Not to mention, the IPL was a new franchise-based domestic T20 tournament, and the T20 format itself was new. However, with time, the South African audience loved the electrifying performances displayed on the field. Among a plethora of competitive matches, an Anil Kumble show put the IPL in the limelight, which is worth recalling now, given the IPL is in full swing.
In the second match of the IPL 2009 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru took on Rajasthan Royals in Cape Town. Bengaluru took the crease, hoping to put on a big score, but their innings turned into chaos.
The top order of Jesser Ryder, Robin Uthappa and Ross Taylor departed without scoring five runs each. Suddenly, the middle order came under pressure, but Kevin Pietersen and Rahul Dravid rose to the occasion.
Pietersen scored a slow 32 runs off 30, whereas Rahul Dravid, who is usually known for his calm demeanour, scored a crucial and pacey 66 runs off 48 balls. It was only their efforts as Bengaluru posted a score of 133 runs.
Dimitri Mascarenhas stole the show with the ball, picking three wickets and giving away only 20 runs in four overs at an economy of five. Munaf Patel and Shane Warne also picked two wickets each. Collectively, these bowlers sent seven batsmen to the pavilion.
In short, Rajasthan Royals' bowling department stole the show, but they did not know Royal Challengers' bowlers, especially Anil Kumble, were also ready for the uphill task.
For Rajasthan Royals, getting to 133 should've been easy, but Anil Kumble stood midway like a bulldozer. While the top order was taken care of by Jesse Ryder and Praveen Kumar, Anil Kumble took five wickets from the middle to lower order, dismantling the Royals batting line-up.
Only three players could score 11 runs each, whereas five players went back to the pavilion with single-digit scores. Three batters also left the pitch with ducks. Kumble, who was known for his prowess in the Test format, lit the T20 setup on fire.
Rajasthan Royals were bundled for 58 runs, recording the second-lowest team score by an IPL franchise in the tournament's history—an embarrassing record for the team that stands intact until today, courtesy of the great Anil Kumble.
