Chris Woakes’ second season in the IPL has been a mixed bag so far. While he took five wickets in the first two games for Royal Challengers Bangalore, he came unstuck on Sunday against Rajasthan Royals.
Woakes did pick up two wickets, but conceded 47 runs in his four overs, including 32 in the last two. That helped Rajasthan score 217/4 and Bangalore later stopped 19 runs short despite a 30-ball 57 from Virat Kohli and a quick 47 off just 25 balls from Mandeep Singh.
Despite his indifferent outing, Woakes still enjoys full support of his captain, who said that he wasn’t disappointed at all.
“I think it is because of how they play their T20 cricket. Last couple of years, right from the T20 World Cup, they have been an explosive T20 side,” pointed out Kohli. “So although they have been picked later on but they are good T20 players that’s why they have been picked in the IPL.
“People are sharpening their skills according to the format, and these are some of the best T20 players in the world right now. So you get picked in the IPL.”
Speaking of the England players in his squad – Woakes and Moeen Ali – Kohli said, “They are top guys. They are really optimistic and are helpful for the RCB team culture. It is good to have good people around.”
