IPL 2021 | Its always two-way communication between me and Glenn Maxwell, says KS Bharat

10/11/2021

Royal Challengers Bangalore wicket-keeper batsman KS Bharat has stated that Glenn Maxwell has guided him to make the necessary changes in the game plan. He further added that AB de Villiers has helped him to identify the areas to be targeted while facing certain bowlers during the matches.

KS Bharat, who is playing his debut IPL season has been sensational so far as he scored 182 runs from seven matches at an average of 45.50. The wicketkeeper-batsman played a crucial role against Delhi Capitals with his unbeaten 78 off 52 balls to guide RCB to their ninth victory of the season. During his swashbuckling innings, Bharat and Glenn Maxwell partnered for a 111-run stand, which swung the game in favour of the Bangalore-based franchise. Earlier, Maxwell and Bharat had stitched up a 69-run for the third wicket against Rajasthan Royals to secure a seven-wicket victory in match no.43 of IPL 2021.

The RCB wicketkeeper-batsman stated that he is having two-way communication with Maxwell while batting for the Bangalore-based franchise. He further added that the Australian cricketer has guided him to make the necessary changes in the game plan.

“We always communicate what are the wickets, how is it behaving like or what are the tough balls to be hit on a particular track or what are the areas we can target, who are the bowlers we can target. So, it’s always a two-way communication. My mindset and understanding of the game and Maxi would also contribute if and any changes need to be made to my gameplan,” Bharat told Hindustan Times.

Speaking on his experience with AB de Villiers, Bharat reckoned that the former South Africa captain has helped him to understand the strength of the opposition bowlers, which has benefited him to play accordingly.

“When I was playing with AB (de Villiers), we had a very good communication out there. He was telling me about the areas to be targeted and what are the strengths of a particular and how he would bowl. It wasn’t like he was running me through the innings but he was allowing me to think on my own. As soon as he got out, Maxi [Glenn Maxwell] came in,” he added.

Royal Challengers Bangalore will now take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the Eliminator on Monday, October 11 in Sharjah.