RCB’s Liam Livingstone Trolled After Golden Duck Against LSG in Crucial Top-Two Clash

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Liam Livingstone came under heavy criticism on social media after he was dismissed for a golden duck in the high-stakes match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on Tuesday.

The match held major implications for RCB, who were chasing a massive 228-run target in a bid to secure a top-two finish.

Livingstone, who returned to the playing XI in place of the injured Tim David, failed to make any contribution with the bat. The English cricketer was dismissed by William O’Rourke on the final delivery of the eighth over.

O’Rourke, who had already removed Rajat Patidar earlier in the over, bowled slightly full, and Livingstone’s attempt to flick resulted in him getting trapped plumb in front.

Livingstone’s Disappointing Season

Bought for INR 8.75 crore in the mega auction, Livingstone has endured a forgettable season. So far, he has only managed to score 87 runs and even lost his place in the team earlier this month.

However, injuries and national duty-related absences—particularly Tim David and Jacob Bethell—forced RCB to bring him back into the side. Despite the opportunity, his struggles continued.

Fans quickly took to social media platform X, trolling the Englishman for his poor form, especially after his first-ball dismissal in a crucial encounter.

Rishabh Pant’s Century Powers LSG

Batting first, LSG put up a dominant performance with the bat, ending their innings at 227/3.

Rishabh Pant, who had faced criticism for his underwhelming performances throughout the season, responded with a blazing 118* off 61 balls, including 11 fours and 8 sixes.

Pant’s knock, his first century since 2018 when he played for Delhi Capitals against Sunrisers Hyderabad, was a vital one for the Super Giants.

Alongside Mitchell Marsh, who contributed 67 off 37 balls, Pant formed a formidable 152-run partnership for the second wicket. They capitalised on a batting-friendly pitch and RCB’s inconsistent bowling attack to post a huge total.

Prior to this match, Pant had struggled with a strike rate of just 107. His return to form was a significant boost for LSG and added pressure on RCB in the run chase.

RCB’s Record Chase Seals Top-Two Spot

Despite the big target, RCB successfully chased down the 228-run score in just 18.4 overs. Stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma led the charge with an unbeaten 85 off just 33 deliveries, while Virat Kohli also contributed with a crucial half-century.

This chase went down as the third-highest successful run chase in IPL history and marked RCB’s first top-two finish since 2016.

This victory secured RCB’s place in Qualifier 1, where they will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 29 in New Chandigarh.

Sanjay Bangar Recommends Changes to RCB XI

As RCB prepare for the upcoming clash against PBKS, former India cricketer and current commentator Sanjay Bangar has suggested changes to their playing XI.

According to Bangar, RCB need to bolster their bowling unit to counter Punjab’s powerful batting lineup.

Bangar recommended retaining Nuwan Thushara, who bowled well against LSG, finishing with figures of 1/26. He also advised bringing back Josh Hazlewood and Tim David into the XI in place of Liam Livingstone and Romario Shepherd.

“Play Thushara in place of Livingstone. Then the bowling will become incredible.

Then Phil Salt, Thushara, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David for Romario Shepherd. The Punjab team is against them, and Punjab have crossed 200 runs six or seven times this season,” Bangar said on Star Sports.

Livingstone’s Struggles and Shepherd’s Inconsistency

Livingstone’s contribution with the bat this season has been minimal. With just 87 runs in seven innings, including a golden duck against LSG, his presence has weakened the middle order.

Romario Shepherd, on the other hand, had a notable 53* against Chennai Super Kings and showed decent economy in some matches. However, his performance against LSG was underwhelming, conceding 51 runs.

“Livingstone, who is playing as an overseas batter, is not scoring runs. So, make your bowling totally strong. I feel that combination can be made,” Bangar added.

With the playoffs approaching, RCB will need to assess their options carefully and make strategic decisions to strengthen their lineup for a title push.