IPL Drama: Patidar and Cummins Fined for Slow Over Rates
Two Captains Face the Music
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins have both been slapped with hefty fines by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after their teams were found guilty of breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during their recent encounter in Lucknow.
Patidar Pays the Price for a Repeat Offence
Patidar, who was leading RCB in the absence of regular captain Faf du Plessis, has been fined a hefty INR 24 lakhs. This is his team’s second over-rate violation of the season, leading to the heavier penalty. The rest of the RCB squad, including the impact player, have each received a fine of either INR 6 lakhs or 25% of their match fees, whichever is less.
Cummins Gets a Warning
SRH’s Pat Cummins, on the other hand, received a comparatively lighter fine of INR 12 lakhs. This was SRH’s first over-rate violation of the season, resulting in a less severe penalty.
RCB’s Top-Two Hopes Take a Hit
The news of the fines comes as a blow to RCB, who suffered a 42-run defeat to SRH in the same match. Despite a promising start from openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, RCB faltered towards the end, losing their last seven wickets for a mere 16 runs. This loss has significantly dented RCB’s chances of finishing in the top two of the IPL standings, dropping them to third place with 17 points from 13 matches.
A Crucial Match Awaits
RCB’s fate now hangs in the balance. They have one more league game left against Lucknow Super Giants, and they need to win it convincingly. They will also need either Gujarat Titans or Punjab Kings to slip up in their remaining matches to secure a top-two spot. A loss against LSG will confirm their entry into the Eliminator.
