Andy Flower gets candid on the “not-so-flat” nature of Chinnaswamy pitch which resulted in RCB’s loss

Following RCB's defeat to GT, coach Andy Flower noted the Chinnaswamy pitch was not as 'flat' or batting-friendly, as his team had expected.

Andy Flower gets candid on the “not-so-flat” nature of Chinnaswamy pitch which resulted in RCB’s loss

RCB head coach Andy Flower admitted that the Chinnaswamy pitch was not what they expected it to be. (via Cric Today)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower opened up about his views on the Chinnaswamy pitch, following his side’s first defeat of the 2025 IPL season, to Gujarat Titans. Flower admitted that the pitch did not act the way his team had expected it to.

RCB suffered their first defeat of the 2025 IPL season, after a flying start to the competition. The Bengaluru-based franchise, led by their new skipper, Rajat Patidar, won their opening two encounters, making their way to the top of the table. They first defeated defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, followed by a historic triumph over southern rivals, Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk.

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However, RCB’s hopes of a fairytale return to their home ground, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, was ruined by the visiting Gujarat Titans. GT, having come off the back of an impressive win over Mumbai Indians, defeated RCB by eight wickets. Ex-RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj, in his first appearance against his former side, claimed three important wickets, while restricting the home side to a total of 169 runs.

GT in response, chased down the target in just 17.5 overs. Jos Buttler top-scored for the visitors with an unbeaten knock of 73 runs off 39 balls. The game was interestingly played on pitch number six at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, one that was not used throughout the 2024 IPL season. While the home team has expected the pitch to be a batting-friendly pitch, it turned out in favor of the bowlers.

Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, the two Gujarat pacers, taking advantage of the pitch, managed to trouble the RCB batters throughout the first innings of the match. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner R. Sai Kishore continued his dream IPL run with two scalps against RCB. The 28-year-old managed to get the wickets of Krunal Pandya and Jitesh Sharma, while giving away just 22 runs in his four-over spell.

Expressing dissatisfaction with his team’s dismal performance, RCB head coach Andy Flower got candid about the pitch and the conditions at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Speaking after the match, Flower admitted that his side had expected the pitch to be a typical ‘flat’ surface, where the ball comes onto the bat a little bit quicker. He however, acknowledged the result, stating that GT was the better side.

It definitely wasn’t a typical Chinnaswamy wicket where you’d expect the ball to come on a little bit quicker. But it’s also important to acknowledge that that’s not the reason for the result.

Andy Flower in the post-match interview (H/T Cricbuzz)

Nonetheless, Andy Flower is not the first one to open up about ‘pitch’ related concerns this season. A week ago, KKR engaged in a spat with the Eden Gardens pitch curator, over his refusal to make spin-friendly pitches, benefiting the home side. LSG mentor Zaheer Khan also complained about the Ekana stadium’s pitch, following his side’s recent defeat to Punjab Kings.

Andy Flower provides a crucial update on Virat Kohli, following his finger injury against GT

Royal Challengers Bengaluru star and the IPL’s leading run-scorer Virat Kohli suffered a finger injury while fielding for his side, during their recent IPL encounter against Gujarat Titans, at home. RCB head coach Andy Flower provided an update on the 36-year-old’s injury, after the match.

Andy Flower on Virat Kohli injury
RCB head coach Andy Flower provided a positive update on Virat Kohli’s finger injury. (via India Today)

Kohli injured a finger on his right hand, as he attempted to stop a boundary while fielding at deep mid-wicket. The 36-year-old fumbled to the ground while trying to block Sai Sudharsan’s shot, as the ball skid in front of him to reach the boundary. While Kohli was seen in excruciating pain, coach Andy Flower later confirmed that there were no significant concerns about Kohli’s fitness. 

Virat [Kohli] looks fine; he’s okay, there’s no worry.

Anndy Flower on Virat Kohli’s finger injury (H/T Times of India)

Nonetheless, after the recent setback, RCB will be hoping to bounce back when they next take on five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. GT on the other hand, after two back-to-back wins, will face Sunrisers Hyderabad.