“Every game is a semifinal for us right now,” IPL Playoff qualifying is acknowledged as a significant challenge by RCB coach Andy Flower

Following his team’s sixth loss in seven games in the current Indian Premier League, head coach Andy Flower of Royal Challengers Bengaluru acknowledged that their next seven games would need to be seen as semifinals.

In their most recent blow to their hopes of making the playoffs, RCB lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad here on Monday by a score of 25 runs.

“Obviously, we are in the knockout stage, and every game from this point on is like a semifinal. On RCB Game Day, Flower said, “But we will have to believe that we will return stronger.”

When the Hyderabad hitters went on a wild ride against their aimless bowlers, RCB gave up the highest-ever IPL total (287 for three).

Flower acknowledged that his team had a difficult evening.

“Obviously, it was an extremely difficult night in the field, as their thrilling finish likely depleted our spirits,” he said.

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During RCB’s chase, Flower did find some encouraging moments, however, including Dinesh Karthik’s incredible 83 off 35 balls and captain Faf Du Plessis’ 28-ball 62.

In the next games, the Zimbabwean intended to improve on them.

“I am quite pleased with how we battled there in the middle with the bat. Although we lost the match, I was extremely pleased with how we battled,” Flower said.

Karthik’s ability to take on SRH bowlers was praised by the former England coach, who also said that it would not be shocking if the wicketkeeper-battler was included in India’s T20 World Cup roster.

He said, “Dinesh Karthik is really pushing for the Indian World Cup team as well and is only getting better on the field.”

On April 21, RCB will play the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.