IPL 2019 | Wanted to play those three games before leaving IPL, says Moeen Ali

IPL 2019 | Wanted to play those three games before leaving IPL, says Moeen Ali

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Moeen Ali has stated that he wanted to play the final three games of the league stages for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The English all-rounder has struck fine form in the recent matches but will have to depart due to his commitments for the upcoming World Cup in England and Wales.

Ali smashed a quickfire 32 against Delhi Capitals on April 7, but since then, he has blasted two blazing half centuries and has returned with extremely economical figures with the ball. The all-rounder has taken five wickets and scored 216 runs in this edition of the Indian Premier League so far, which is the fourth highest for his side. Those runs have come at a phenomenal strike rate of almost 170 which is the highest for RCB. Unfortunately, RCB have only won three out of ten matches thus far and have very slim chances of qualifying, and to add to those woes, the in-form English player will depart due to national duty with the World Cup starting on May 30. Moeen was visibly disappointed to leave with the business end nearing.

"It's not ideal, obviously. I think it's worse when there are three games to go, that there's not much cricket left and you always think, 'I could've played those three games.' If there were six, seven games, it was a little more understandable. But it's a small window. And knowing that there could be a chance of going through if we win all our games, then you miss out on a potential semi-final and stuff,” he said, reported ESPN Cricinfo.

"But I'll definitely keep an eye out and see how they're going, hoping that we're winning all our games. It's also difficult to leave a team, especially when I'm in a bit of form and I want to keep going in the IPL, trying to improve my game. I feel like I'm a big part of the boys and I'll miss them. It's a shame but there's obviously the World Cup which is very important as well,” the World Cup bound player added.

RCB possesses the biggest superstars of the game in the form of skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. The India captain has a record 5335 runs in the league, whereas the former South Africa skipper has 4285 runs for the side. Both the batsmen have been the highest run-getters for the side, and it is very easy for a batsman to get eclipsed with their presence. However, the Birmingham born player has been the fourth pillar of the batting line up this season and was delighted with his role.

"My job in the team is to do that (take the pressure off Kohli and de Villiers)," Moeen said on the eve of Royal Challengers' match against Kings XI Punjab. "It is very difficult for a team to win if you rely on just two guys batting because they feel the pressure as well. My job is to come and score some runs and be part of the batting group and contribute in winning games,” he expressed.

De Villiers had missed the game against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 19 due to sickness, but still, the Bengaluru-based franchise went on to score 213 runs. Ali, who had hit 66 runs off 28 balls in the game, pointed out that he has the ability to score runs as fast as any other batsman in the side.

"I think it gives a lot of confidence if Virat and AB don't score, or if one of them doesn't play, like AB didn't against KKR, we can still score 200-plus. I have the confidence in my own game and belief that I can also score runs just as quick as them and take games away from the opposition. It won't always happen but I know I can do that,” asserte the 31-year-old.

Dale Steyn was brought in as a replacement for the injured Nathan Coulter-Nile and played the first game of the season against KKR. Since his return, RCB have taken seven wickets in the powerplay in just two games, in contrast, they had only taken three wickets in eight games. Moeen was quick to point out that the entry of the South African, who had himself scalped two wickets each in both the matches, has changed the complexion of RCB’s bowling line-up

"He's been massive. We didn't take wickets in Powerplays and now since he has come, we've been taking wickets. When you take two, three, four wickets (in Powerplays), most of the time you're going to win the game. I think just the name of Dale Steyn (is enough), well he has not played much in the last couple of years, but he still has class. The way he bowls, the swing… he pitches it up, he's quite brave in the way he bowls.

"It's probably the thing that we've been lacking in this team and it has cost us in a few games. But having him has been huge for our bowlers as well - the way he sets the tone in the first couple of overs. Anybody can get smashed but he has been fantastic,” he signed off.

RCB will take on Kings XI Punjab today at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, followed by an away game against Delhi Capitals on April 28. They will then go on to play two more home encounters against Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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