IPL 2021: The game against DC wasn't the first time Bharat and Maxwell's on-field chemistry had a favourable impact on RCB's performance. The Royal Challengers Bangalore, headed by Virat Kohli, have had a strong start to the year 2021. They made it to the Indian Premier League playoffs almost five years later, without worrying about their net run rate or the outcomes of the other clubs. What helped them was a strong performance in the India part of the competition, when they finished third, which they were able to retain even after landing in the UAE.
As the second part of the IPL got off, RCB unearthed a new gem in wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat, who showed off his skills against Delhi Capitals in Dubai on Friday night. The 28-year-old not only scored his first IPL live T20 fifty while chasing 165 in RCB's last league stage encounter, but he also won the game with a stunning six off the penultimate ball.
Bharat made an undefeated 78 off 52 balls, including three boundaries and four sixes. He was ably supported at the crease by all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who also struck a 33-ball 51, his sixth half-century of the season. The pair put on an unbroken 111-run fourth-wicket stand to help RCB to a fantastic victory.
This wasn't the first time Bharat and Maxwell's on-field friendship had a favourable impact on RCB's performance. They put up a 69-run third-wicket partnership in the game against Rajasthan Royals in Dubai, which Kohli and Co won by 7 wickets - the same margin by which they thrashed Delhi Capitals.
Bharat responded to a question on his equation with Maxwell in a virtual engagement provided by RCB. "We had a really excellent communication out there when I was playing with AB (de Villiers)," he added. He was teaching me about the areas that should be addressed, as well as what each player's skills are and how he would bowl. He wasn't leading me through the innings, but he was letting me think for myself. Maxi [Glenn Maxwell] came in as soon as he got out.
The only difference between the two partnerships was that against the Royals, Bharat was removed on 44. Against DC, though, he played the finisher's role and came out on top. On a personal level, though, losing out on a fifty versus RR didn't upset him since he values the process over 'individual glory.'